Kenya records drop in road fatalities, injuries surge by 11pc

Kenya has recorded an 11 per cent increase in serious injuries resulting from road traffic accidents since 2023, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced.

Speaking during a security press briefing at Harambee House, Mudavadi noted that while injuries have increased, there has been a significant decrease in fatalities among drivers, passengers, pillion passengers, and motorcyclists, dropping by 5.85 per cent, 10 per cent, 9 per cent, and 10.05 per cent respectively.

Mudavadi expressed concern that December typically records the highest number of road traffic fatalities and urged Kenyans, especially Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers operating long-distance routes, to exercise caution during the festive season. He emphasized the need for road users to prioritize safety to avoid preventable tragedies.

To ensure public safety during the holiday period, Mudavadi directed security enforcement officers to intensify their efforts.

He announced that police patrols along major highways will be increased both day and night to monitor compliance with traffic laws, discourage reckless driving, and prevent the operation of unlicensed or overloaded PSVs.

Additionally, the enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations will ensure all PSVs meet road service licensing requirements, allowing only safe and roadworthy vehicles to operate.

Mudavadi further directed a crackdown on illegal and unlicensed vehicles masquerading as passenger transport, stressing that such vehicles, which do not meet the safety standards outlined in the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations of 2014, will not be allowed to carry passengers.

“Speed limits across major highways will also be strictly enforced to curb road crashes caused by speeding,” he noted.

Calling for personal responsibility among law enforcement officers, Mudavadi urged base commanders and officers to proactively ensure road safety within their jurisdictions.

He emphasized that every officer must remain engaged in monitoring, reporting, and addressing non-compliance with traffic laws, underscoring their critical role in achieving Kenya’s National Road Safety Goal of reducing traffic fatalities by 50 per cent before 2028.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting lives on the road, Mudavadi urged all stakeholders, including drivers, passengers and enforcement officers, to work collaboratively to ensure a safe festive season for all Kenyans.