The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released concerning statistics regarding road accidents in Kenya since the beginning of the year. According to NTSA’s latest data covering the period from January 1 to April 1, a total of 7,198 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents. This marks a significant increase of 1,908 compared to the same period last year.
Of these reported accidents, 1,189 resulted in fatalities, 3,316 caused serious injuries, and 2,693 led to minor injuries. These figures paint a stark comparison to the statistics from the corresponding period in 2023, where the number of deaths stood at 1,129, serious injuries at 2,435, and minor injuries at 1,726.
The data further reveals that pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities in 2024, with 436 reported deaths, representing an increase from 374 in the previous year. Motorcyclists followed with 276 fatalities, a decrease from 311 in 2023. Additionally, 255 passengers lost their lives in accidents during this period, marking an increase from 211 in the preceding year. Pillion passengers recorded 102 fatalities compared to 105 in 2023, while the number of driver fatalities decreased from 108 to 98. Furthermore, 22 pedal cyclists lost their lives in accidents this year, compared to 20 in 2023.
In response to these alarming statistics, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and their properties. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized the importance of collaboration among all road users in changing the narrative surrounding road safety in Kenya. Mwaura urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, called for responsible sharing of roads, and emphasized the need for compliance with laws related to routes, timing, and overloading. Additionally, pedestrians were encouraged to report instances of traffic violations by drivers, including those in public transport.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi also addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for decisive actions from the Transport Ministry to promote behavioral changes on the roads. Wandayi criticized the disregard for road signs and lights by pedestrians crossing highways and major streets and called for strict enforcement of rules requiring pedestrians to use designated crossing spots. He also proposed measures such as wearing bright clothing when walking or cycling at night to enhance pedestrian safety.
