Road accidents across the country have claimed 563 lives since the year started.
These deaths, according to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority, occurred between January 1 to February 11, 2024
The statistics are an increase compared to deaths recorded during the same period in 2023 which stood at 537.
Pedestrians lead in fatalities with 216, compared with 163 recorded last year.
Following closely are passengers who recorded 109 deaths which is 11 more compared to the 98 recorded in 2023.
Motorcyclists recorded 140 deaths representing a decrease when compared to 151 recorded in 2023.
Pillion passengers recorded 54 deaths compared to 68 witnessed last year.
35 drivers have lost their lives in road accidents. This is a decrease compared to 49 in the same period last year.
So far this year, only 9 pedal cyclists have died from an accident within the period under review compared to 8 of last year.
The data from NTSA came at a time when Kenyans are mourning the death of World Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum and his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a tragic road accident Sunday night in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road.
Kiptum is said to have been the one driving the vehicle heading to Eldoret when the accident occurred.
“The accident happened around 11 pm. The car had three occupants, two died on the spot while one was taken to hospital,” Elgeyo Marakwet County Commandant Peter Mulinge said.
In October 2023, NTSA unveiled the National Road Safety Action Plan (2023- 2027) which aims to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in deaths and severe injuries in designated high-risk demonstration corridors and urban areas.
Mohamed Daghar, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Transport, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated road safety efforts involving both national and county governments to enhance safety on Kenyan roads.
“We cannot be losing over 4000 people yearly, which is just part of it. Accidents cause permanent disabilities, we create widows and orphans,” Daghar said.
“We collapse an entire household because the breadwinner is lost. The net effect of this road safety challenge is beyond understanding.”
Road safety remains a critical issue globally, with the World Health Organization estimating over 1.35 million deaths annually due to road traffic accidents.
The toll makes road crashes the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5-29, posing significant socio-economic burdens on societies worldwide.
