Road Accidents: NTSA Records Drop In Fatalities

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed on Thursday, March 23 that the number of fatalities from road accidents across the country dropped by 4.6 per cent.

In a statement, the authority reported the reduction in accidents in one year, adding that overall numbers show a drop in fatalities from 1,021 to 974.

NTSA added that the reduction is mainly attributed to increased public education and awareness through the Government Road Safety Mainstreaming Programme and the Usalama Barabarani Campaign supported by the European Union.

Image of a flooded road in Nairobi. /MA3ROUTE

On a category basis, pedestrian fatalities reduced from 359 in 2022 to 330 in 2023, a drop of 8.1 per cent while pillion passenger fatalities decreased from 109 in 2022 to 93 in 2023, a drop of 14.7 per cent. At the same time, motorcyclist fatalities decreased from 289 in 2022 to 265 in 2023, translating to an 8 per cent decline.

As NTSA continues to implement strategies to reduce road traffic crashes, it noted that a large part of the country is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and urged road users to be cognizant of the risks associated with driving in the rain.

"In the past, we have witnessed an unnecessary loss of lives due to poor driver judgment. Incidents of drivers operating school buses, public service vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles in an attempt to drive through water resulted in both serious and fatal injuries.

"We call upon drivers not to endanger their lives and that of their passengers as hydroplaning is a serious threat during the rainy season," stated NTSA in part.

Additionally, as the Easter Festivities approach, NTSA requested road users to engage in safe road use practices, exercise caution and be mindful of others as road safety is a shared responsibility.

Several parts of the country are experiencing sustained rainfall according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) which forced motorists plying major highways to spend hours in traffic.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was forced to intervene after rainwater washed away part of the Maai Mahiu-Narok road in the Suswa area on Thursday morning, March 23, triggering a gridlock that stretched to several kilometres after motorists were caught up in a traffic snarl-up. 

"Motorists planning to use the Nairobi - Maai Mahiu - Narok Highway are informed of an ongoing clearance of the overburden after last night’s heavy rainfall which resulted in flooding and extensive deposition of eroded material on the road from Maai Mahiu towards Narok and 6 Kilometres from Duka Moja," the statement read in part. 

"To enable better traffic flow, KeNHA urges motorists to use Narok - Kisiriri - Nakuru Road and Maai Mahiu - Nakuru Road. Motorists are further advised to exercise caution as they drive through this area, especially at night and when it’s raining."

Police officers assess the situation at the Suswa area along the Narok-Maai Mahiu Road on March 22, 2023. /CITIZEN DIGITAL