The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has sounded an alarm over the increasing number of fatalities on Kenya’s roads, particularly those involving pedestrians and boda boda riders. A report released by the NTSA reveals that by November 2024, over 4,282 people had lost their lives in road accidents, with pedestrians and motorcyclists being the most affected groups. This marks a worrying rise compared to the same period in previous years, prompting the government and various stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at enhancing road safety.
The data points to a tragic reality: out of the total road fatalities recorded, approximately 1,600 were pedestrians, and 900 were motorcyclists, commonly known as boda bodas. These two groups account for the majority of the casualties, underscoring a significant vulnerability among road users who are often the most exposed to dangers on the roads. Pedestrians, who account for nearly half of the fatalities, are particularly at risk due to unsafe crossings and a lack of sufficient pedestrian infrastructure in some areas.
In response to this escalating crisis, the NTSA has launched an awareness campaign aimed at promoting road safety, especially during the busy December holidays when traffic is typically heavier. The campaign, which began on December 10, 2024, is a collaborative effort involving the NTSA, the National Police Service (NPS), Bloomberg Philanthropies for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), and the Mombasa County Government. John Parteroi, the NTSA Deputy General Manager for the Coast Region, emphasized the importance of educating road users drivers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists on the need to exercise caution, adhere to traffic rules, and be vigilant during the festive season.
One of the key messages from the campaign is for pedestrians to avoid crossing the road recklessly and to make use of footbridges where available. Many accidents, particularly in urban areas, result from pedestrians crossing busy roads, sometimes in areas without designated crossings. In addition, Parteroi urged boda boda riders to wear protective gear, including helmets and reflector jackets, particularly when riding at night, to increase their visibility to other road users. Boda bodas, often cited for their reckless behavior on the roads, are a major contributor to both pedestrian deaths and hit-and-run accidents.
The NTSA also highlighted certain roads as high-risk areas, including the Kilifi-Malindi road near the Kijipwa area, where speeding by motorists has been identified as a significant contributing factor to accidents. Speeding is a major risk factor in road safety, as it not only increases the likelihood of accidents but also raises the severity of injuries when they occur. Vipul Patel, the coordinator for Bloomberg’s Philanthropies, reiterated the importance of speed management as a key element of road safety. He urged both pedestrians and motorists to be more mindful of the risks posed by speeding, stressing that such behavior often results in fatal crashes.
Another key aspect of the awareness campaign is targeting passenger service vehicle operators. The NTSA reminded public transport operators that they are only allowed to carry a specific number of passengers—between 9 and 14 for a minibus or matatu and that excess passengers should not be carried, as this increases the likelihood of accidents. The authorities also emphasized that only licensed vehicles, such as those registered with transport Saccos, are allowed to operate as commercial passenger transport services. Private vehicles should not be used for commercial purposes, as this also contributes to unsafe road conditions.
Despite the growing concerns, the NTSA remains committed to ensuring road safety through continued awareness efforts and the use of technology to monitor and manage road behavior. Devices that track speeding on major roads have been put in place, and the NTSA has pledged to keep reminding motorists and the public to adhere to traffic laws, particularly during peak periods like the festive season.
In conclusion, the NTSA’s ongoing campaign serves as a vital reminder of the importance of responsible road use. With so many lives lost each year due to traffic accidents, it is crucial for all road users pedestrians, motorcyclists, and drivers to play their part in making the roads safer for everyone. By obeying traffic rules, avoiding risky behavior, and being more aware of one another, road safety can be significantly improved, potentially saving countless lives in the process.
