Most road accidents that led to fatalities in Kenya occurred on Sunday, the National Transport and Safety Authority has said.
In a status report for October alone, out of the 330 deaths reported, at least 63 of them occurred on a Sunday.
The report said that Friday, Saturday and Sunday account for over 50 per cent of the total fatalities recorded.
"Sunday had the highest fatalities in October 2023 with 63 deaths. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday contribute to the highest number of fatalities at 50 per cent," NTSA said in the report seen by the Star.
Some of the reasons thought to be behind these numbers are high travel numbers over the weekends which increases exposure to risk, speeding especially along major highways, and reduced enforcement
"Increased activity during the weekend that comes with increased movement and road use," NTSA said.
Saturday recorded 55 deaths, Monday 47, Tuesday 35, Wednesday 45, Thursday 43 and Friday 42 deaths.
In the report, most of these accidents occurred between 5 pm and 9 pm, with 8 pm recording the highest number of deaths.
"This is largely attributed to reduced enforcement during these times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrians due to the rush hour and pedestrians crossing at non-designated or unsafe areas and getting knocked down by speeding vehicles," the report said.
Poor lighting at the pedestrian crossing points and major highways, driver fatigue and drunk driving were also attributed to this.
NTSA disclosed that 3,609 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2023.
This number of fatalities covers January to October 2023.
This, however, is a drop in the number of fatalities in the same period last year, which stood at 3,936. This was an 8.31 per cent drop.
January recorded 379 fatalities, February had 340, March (389), April (357) and May had 340.
June recorded 439 fatalities, July -325, August -327, September- 338 and October had 330 cases.