Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a heartfelt plea to all road users to exercise caution and vigilance as the festive season approaches. His statement comes against the backdrop of alarming road accident statistics for 2024, highlighting the need for immediate action to reduce fatalities and injuries.
Disturbing Statistics
Mudavadi revealed that between January and November 2024, road accidents claimed 4,047 lives, marking a stark increase from the 3,726 fatalities reported during the same period last year. The total number of accidents also surged, with 20,369 incidents recorded this year compared to 19,262 in 2023. Notably, serious injuries rose from 9,059 last year to 10,124 in 2024.
The Cabinet Secretary particularly pointed out the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, pillion passengers, and pedestrians, many of whom have been disproportionately affected. “These fatalities are deeply concerning, especially as many of them were preventable,” Mudavadi emphasized, calling for greater responsibility among all road users.
Holiday Season Risks
The festive season traditionally sees a spike in road activity as Kenyans travel to reunite with family and friends. Unfortunately, this period is often marred by a rise in accidents caused by reckless driving, speeding, and non-adherence to traffic rules. Mudavadi urged motorists to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations to curb the rising number of accidents.
He emphasized the role of enforcement agencies in maintaining order on roads and advised passengers to demand safe driving practices from public transport operators. “It is a collective responsibility. Everyone, from the driver to the passenger, has a role to play in ensuring road safety,” he said.
Tragedy at Iguhu Bridge
The urgency of Mudavadi’s call was underscored by a devastating accident on Wednesday along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway at the River Yala’s Iguhu Bridge. A tanker traveling toward Kakamega reportedly lost control and rammed into two 14-seater matatus traveling in the opposite direction.
The crash resulted in 13 fatalities, with the death toll rising from 10 on Wednesday evening to 13 on Thursday morning as three more victims succumbed to their injuries. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and called for heightened measures to ensure road safety in the region.
Police reports suggest that the tanker’s driver may have been speeding, losing control of the vehicle on the highway. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils of ignoring traffic laws, particularly during periods of heavy travel.
Government Response
Mudavadi stated that the government is working closely with law enforcement agencies and road safety organizations to intensify road safety campaigns. He called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including crackdowns on unroadworthy vehicles, drunk driving, and reckless behaviors such as overlapping and overloading.
In addition to enforcement, Mudavadi stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns targeting both urban and rural road users. He reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and that all stakeholders, including private motorists, public transport operators, and pedestrians, must collaborate to make the roads safer.
Moving Forward
As the holiday season draws near, Mudavadi’s cautionary message is both timely and necessary. The rising trend of road fatalities calls for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
Kenyans are reminded to plan their travels early, avoid last-minute rushes that lead to reckless driving, and prioritize safety over convenience. With collective effort and heightened vigilance, the festive season can be celebrated with joy rather than marred by tragedy.
