The number of people killed and injured in road accidents in the country in December this year has gone up by 17.3 percent compared to the same period in 2020.
Those claimed by road carnage in 2020 were 3,707 compared to 4,347 who by mid-December had already lost their lives, the highest figure in five years.
According to the latest data from National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the total number of victims increased from 15,918 by December 16, 2020 to the current 19,571.
The authority says most road crashes are due to bad road user behaviour such as lane indiscipline, careless riding, distracted driving, contravening route and time and low levels of road safety awareness among road users.
“Use of mobile phones while driving is highly discouraged as it is a distraction to driving. Drivers should not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, sleep-inducing drugs/medicine, including prescription medication if they cause drowsiness,” said government spokesperson Colonel (Retired) Cyrus Oguna
Oguna has since put Boda Boda riders on notice after the data revealed that motorcyclists accounted for the highest number of those killed with 1634 deaths, pedestrians followed at 1477, and passengers were third at 727 and drivers came fourth at 426.
The number of pedal cyclists killed in road crashes has, however, registered a downward trend, decreasing by 6 percent this year. By December 16th this year, 83 pedal cyclists had died compared to 88 who lost their lives by the same time last year.
This even as the government has assured its citizens that the NTSA and National Police Service (NPS) will be vigilant on all roads while intensifying road safety education and sensitization of road users in an effort to reduce the unnecessary accidents.
“The countrywide enforcement activities will focus on verification of road service licence (RSL), Motor vehicle inspection, Driving licence and conductor badges and compliance with route allocation to ensure PSV’s ply routes they are licensed for,” added Oguna.
According to the report, Nairobi county leads with 495 cases followed by Kiambu with 425, Nakuru 358, Machakos 205, Meru 158, Muranga 150, Kilifi 141 and Kakamega.
Other Counties that recorded increased road carnage were Nyeri with 127, Kajiado 120, Uasin Gishu 110, Kirinyaga 110, Narok 101, Embu 89, Kisii and Nyandarua with 86, Homa By 85 and Kericho 80.
