On the morning of Monday, December 9, at around 5:30 AM, a tragic accident occurred along the Londiani-Muhoroni road in Kericho County. A bus, originating from Nairobi and headed towards Kisumu, was involved in a crash near the Jambo Kenya area, resulting in at least one fatality and several injuries. The accident is a stark reminder of the persistent issues surrounding road safety in Kenya, particularly during the festive season when the number of accidents typically spikes.
The National Police Service Spokesperson, Dr. Resila Onyango, reported that the deceased victim was a juvenile, underlining the heartbreaking loss of young lives in these preventable incidents. Several other passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The response was swift as emergency teams, including police, were immediately dispatched to the scene to assist the victims and manage traffic flow in the affected area.
The Londiani-Muhoroni stretch is known for its dangerous spots, often referred to as blackspots due to frequent accidents. Dr. Onyango confirmed that the accident occurred around 5:30 AM, marking it as a critical time when visibility is low, especially in this area. The police have been consistently warning road users about the risks associated with this particular route, emphasizing the importance of caution and adherence to traffic regulations.
This latest incident comes amid heightened operations by the National Police Service to curb the rising number of road accidents across the country. According to the latest statistics, at least 4,282 people have lost their lives in road accidents this year, a significant increase from the 4,090 fatalities reported in the same period in 2023. The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, described this rise as alarming, highlighting that road traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in Kenya.
The statistics reveal a troubling trend: an increase in fatal accidents from 3,469 in the first 11 months of 2023 to 3,681 in the same period this year a 6% rise. In terms of victims, there has also been an uptick, from 20,239 in 2023 to 21,620 this year, marking a 7% increase. These numbers are not just statistics but reflect real lives lost and the impact on families and communities across the country.
In his address following the Londiani-Muhoroni accident, Kanja emphasized the need for behavioral change among road users as the festive season approaches. He noted that many of these accidents are caused by preventable human factors such as non-compliance with traffic rules, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driver fatigue. Kanja’s call for a shift in behavior was echoed by the National Police Service, who have deployed additional traffic officers on major roads to enhance traffic flow and enforce compliance with road safety laws.
To tackle the rising number of accidents, the National Police Service has been collaborating with other government agencies such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Together, they are conducting crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on major highways. These efforts are part of a broader multi-agency strategy that also includes the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring fair traffic enforcement.
The deployment of more specialized units, including Formed Police Units and undercover officers, marks a significant increase in law enforcement presence on the roads. These measures are aimed at enhancing both ground and aerial surveillance to monitor and manage traffic effectively, particularly in congested urban centers and high-risk areas. Kanja reiterated that the security and safety of all Kenyans is a collective responsibility, urging everyone drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers to play their part by adhering to traffic regulations.
He also called upon vehicle owners and boda boda saccos to cooperate with the authorities to instill discipline among drivers, urging them to maintain roadworthy vehicles and ensure that their operators are well-trained and disciplined. Kanja’s appeal was clear: “While the National Police Service has put in place elaborate measures to ensure security, road safety is a collective responsibility. Let us all do our part to prevent road carnage and save lives.”
The Londiani-Muhoroni accident is a tragic reminder of the ongoing challenges Kenya faces in making its roads safer. As the country prepares for the festive season, when traffic volumes typically surge, the message is clear: adherence to traffic rules, increased vigilance, and a collective effort to improve road safety are crucial. Only by working together can Kenyans reduce the frequency of such tragic incidents and ensure safer journeys for all.
