Nairobi and Kiambu lead in road accidents, says NTSA

Nairobi and Kiambu counties are leading in road accidents, according to the latest National Transport and Safety Authority report.

The statistics show that Nairobi leads with 462 road crashes, followed by Kiambu 450, Nakuru 344, Machakos 239 and Murang’a 165.

Meru had 151 road crashes while Kakamega and Kisumu counties recorded 116 road accidents in 11 months.

Mandera and Isiolo counties had the lowest number of accidents, recording one and five crashes respectively.

Marsabit had 10 road accidents within the period under review, Lamu -14, West Pokot- 17 and Tana River had 18 crashes.

Samburu county recorded 25 crashes while Garissa had 26.

NTSA data indicates that there were 4,248 fatalities between January and November 30.

Pedestrians are in the lead with 1,534 who dies due to road accidents.

Motorcyclists follow with 1,124 fatalities, passengers 752, pillion passengers 395, drivers 386 and pedal cyclists with 57.

Drunk driving has been earlier mentioned as one of the main causes of accidents involving pedestrians crossing the roads.

“Pedestrians who drink underestimate the speed of vehicles thus being killed by hit-and-run vehicles,” John Cheboi, Kura’s assistant director of corporate communications said.

Pedestrians have also been warned severally about crossing roads recklessly as they avoid using footbridges.

NTSA also indicated that most of the accidents result from motorists and pedestrians flouting traffic laws.

Back in 2015, the authority launched a campaign dubbed 'Save 1000 Lives' meant to create awareness, especially among boda boda operators to reduce accidents on the road.

The campaign was to see the private sector, in collaboration with the government, take a proactive role in ensuring safety on Kenyan roads.

However, years later, pedestrians still top the road users with the most fatalities.