The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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In the latest statistics released by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), a concerning figure of 1,214 lives lost in road accidents has been recorded over the past three months.
Eng Christine Ogut, the Deputy Director of Safety, Audit, and Inspection at NTSA, expressed alarm over this trend, noting a five percent increase in fatalities compared to the corresponding period last year.
The data, collected between January and April, highlights pedestrians as the most affected group, followed by motorcyclists, passengers, and drivers. This surge in fatalities adds to the grim toll of road accidents in Kenya. In 2023, nearly 3,609 lives were lost, while in 2022, the toll stood at a staggering 4,690 fatalities.
Addressing concerns during an extensive operation aimed at promoting road safety, particularly along the Kaplong-Bomet-Mulot-Narok routes, Ogut emphasized NTSA’s commitment to curbing the escalating road menace. Measures include nationwide operations to enforce safety regulations, increased engagement with drivers and matatu Saccos through sensitization sessions, and rigorous inspections targeting vehicles’ compliance with safety standards.
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Ogut underscored the significance of speed limiters, especially in public service vehicles, identifying speed as a major contributor to accidents, responsible for 70 percent of cases. NTSA’s efforts also extend to auditing various road sections, providing detailed reports, and offering recommendations to enhance safety measures in specific regions.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, lamented the dire situation, revealing that the country loses an average of 3,500 lives annually to road accidents. Murkomen stressed the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, urging responsible behavior among road users.
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Speaking in Narok, Murkomen emphasized the absence of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the road menace since independence, attributing the surge in accidents to driver impunity and non-compliance with traffic regulations. He highlighted resource constraints faced by NTSA and traffic officers, hampering their ability to enforce laws effectively.
Plans for technological interventions, including instant fines and real-time mobile cameras in vehicles, are underway to enhance accountability and deterrence. Regulatory measures are pending approval at the Attorney General’s office and Parliament, signaling a multifaceted approach to address the complex challenge of road safety in Kenya.
