The National Transport and Safety Authority has said that since the year started 7,198 Kenyans have been involved in roads accidents, marking an increase of 1,908 compared to last year.
According to NTSA data, the accidents are from January 1 to April 1.
Among the 7,198 Kenyans, NTSA reveals that 1,189 died from road accidents, 3,316 were seriously injured and 2,693 suffered from minor injuries.
This paints a grim picture compared to the same period in 2023 where deaths from crashes stood at 1,129, those who were seriously injured were 2,435, and atleast 1,726 were slightly injured.
The data further shows that pedestrians account for the highest fatalities in 2024 at 436 which is an increase compared to 374 of last year.
Pedestrians were followed by motorcyclists at 276 fatalities which is a decrease from 311 in 2023.
Atleast 255 passengers died in the period under review marking an increase compared to 211 last year.
Pillion passengers had 102 fatalities as compared to 105 in 2023 of the same period.
98 drivers have died in the period under review, which is a decrease from 108 in the year 2023.
Of pedal cyclists, 22 of them died this year as compared to 20 in 2022.
The government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of citizens assuring that road safety agencies will enforce the law to ensure roads are safe and that motorists who flout traffic rules are apprehended and prosecuted.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that this initiative cannot be undertaken by the government alone and that it needs the collaboration and support of all road users, in changing the grim narratives around the road carnage in Kenya.
“Accordingly, we urge motorists and other road users to observe traffic rules, all road users to share roads responsibly, drivers, and vehicle owners, sacco/company officials to comply with the laws relating to routes, timing and overloading and call on pedestrians to report all incidences of traffic violations by drivers including in public transport,” he saud
Early this week, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the Transport Ministry owes the country “decisive decisions aimed at behaviour change on the roads.”
He scorned pedestrians crossing highways and major streets in total disregard for road signs and lights.
“The ministry must enforce the rule that pedestrians cross streets only at designated spots. Pedestrians must also be made to wear bright clothing when walking or cycling at night,” Wandayi said.