The Status Report in Road Safety 2023, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), has revealed alarming statistics about road traffic accidents in Kenya. The country is now ranked fifth in Africa for the highest rate of road traffic deaths. The report underscores the severe impact of road crashes, which claim the lives of approximately 4,000 Kenyans each year and leave about 10,000 others with lifelong disabilities. The combined expenditure on treatment and rehabilitation for these survivors amounts to a staggering Sh46 billion annually.
The Personal Cost of Road Traffic Accidents
The human cost of road traffic accidents is vividly illustrated by the story of Bright Oywayo, who is the executive director of the Association for Safe International Road Travel-Kenya. Bright’s life changed dramatically 27 years ago when a road accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite adhering to safety measures—such as wearing a seatbelt and driving within the speed limit—her vehicle was struck by another car trying to overtake dangerously, resulting in a collision with an oncoming truck.
Bright’s experience highlights the enduring personal and financial struggles faced by road crash survivors. She describes the long-lasting impact of her injuries, noting, “I am still paying for that one crash until now. I have not walked for 27 years now.” Beyond the physical and emotional toll, there are significant economic and social implications for survivors. The cost of ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, coupled with lost income and social exclusion, places a heavy burden on individuals and their families.
Economic Impact on Kenya
The financial burden of road traffic accidents is enormous. According to Medical Services PS Harry Kimutai, the annual expenditure of Sh46 billion encompasses both immediate medical care and long-term rehabilitation for those injured in accidents. This figure highlights the substantial economic strain that road crashes place on Kenya’s healthcare system and the broader economy.
During the launch of the Status Report in Road Safety 2023, Dr. Isaac Bashir, who heads the Department of Family Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “Road traffic injuries are ranked ninth as the leading cause of death in our country. Besides these deaths, hundreds of thousands are seriously injured suffering long-term impairments and lifelong disabilities. Those who survive undergo prolonged suffering and incur lots of expenditure from medical treatment and rehabilitation,” he stated.
The Preventability of Road Traffic Accidents
One of the most striking findings of the WHO report is that many road traffic accidents are entirely preventable. The report calls for immediate action to address this issue and reduce the number of accidents through improved road safety measures. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the need for a coordinated effort to tackle this preventable public health crisis.
“The findings of this report point to a serious public health concern for African countries, with hundreds of thousands of lives being lost unnecessarily. As WHO, we’re committed to working hand in hand with countries to tackle this preventable threat and continue to fully support all efforts to make our roads safer for motorists and pedestrians alike,” Dr. Moeti said.
Rising Trends in Road Traffic Deaths in Africa
The Status Report in Road Safety 2023 reveals a troubling trend: while global road traffic death rates decreased by 5% from 2010 to 2021, the African region experienced a 17% increase in road-related fatalities. In 2021 alone, nearly 250,000 lives were lost on Africa’s roads. This increase is particularly concerning given that Africa represents only 15% of the world’s population and 3% of its vehicles, yet accounts for nearly one-fifth of all global road deaths.
Addressing the Crisis
To address the crisis, the report advocates for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of different regions and populations. This includes improving road infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, and implementing effective public awareness campaigns. Additionally, there is a need for enhanced medical care and rehabilitation services for survivors.
The Kenyan government, along with other stakeholders, is urged to take comprehensive measures to improve road safety and reduce the incidence of road traffic accidents. This involves not only investing in better road infrastructure and vehicle safety standards but also strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
The Status Report in Road Safety 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the high rate of road traffic deaths and injuries in Kenya and across Africa. With the implementation of effective road safety measures and a concerted effort to improve infrastructure and enforcement, it is possible to significantly reduce the human and economic costs associated with road traffic accidents. By prioritizing road safety, Kenya can work towards a future where such tragedies are less frequent and their impact is minimized.
