Over 4,000 Kenyans killed in road accidents this year - IG Kanja

A total of 21,620 Kenyans were victims of road accidents this year, up from 20,239 last year, marking a seven percent increase, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has revealed.

In a statement issued on Thursday announcing the National Police Service's preparedness for the festive season, Kanja noted that of the total victims, 4,282 were fatally injured, up from 4,090 in 2022.

"Last year from January to November for example, we recorded 3,469 fatal accidents compared with 3,681 fatal accidents recorded this year, marking an increase of 212 (6%). In terms of victims, in 2023, we recorded a total of 20,239 victims of road traffic accident compared with 21,620 victims this year, marking an increase of 1381 (7%)," said Kanja in the statement.

"Out this, 4,090 victims were fatally injured in 2023 compared with 4,282 victims in 2024, indicating an increase of 192 people who have lost their lives as a result of road carnage this year."

According to Kanja, road traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in Kenya, with many of them being caused by preventable human factors like non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

As the country enters the festive season with Christmas and New Year holidays, Kanja urged all Kenyans to be especially cautious on the roads, highlighting the increase in public gatherings, shopping and high vehicular traffic expected during this period due to the movement of people across the country.

"That also means that the major highways are likely to experience heavy traffic snarl-ups, and the same be compounded by poor visibility and flooded roads occasioned by the ongoing rains across the country. We are appealing to all motorists to approach this festive season with a changed behaviour with a common purpose to reduce road carnage," he said.

He similarly announced that the NPS has rolled out an operational plan that includes deploying additional traffic officers to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the festive period.

"Through the multi-agency strategy, we are also collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent corruption on the roads this festive season," said the Police IG.

Beyond the roads, Kanja added that Kenyans should expect increased police presence, with more specialized units deployed across major towns to ensure public safety during the festive season.

"Apart from the roads, Kenyans should expect to see more police presence and visibility, as we have deployed more specialized units including Formed Police Units and undercover Officers alongside the Regular Police, to intensify patrols and heighten both ground and aerial surveillance in the major towns, borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas," he said.

Further, Kanja urged all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, and passengers to comply with traffic regulations and to avoid risky behaviors such as driving unroadworthy vehicles, failing to use safety belts, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"We call upon the general public to remain vigilant even as you celebrate, and report any crime or suspicious activities, to the nearest police station or through the police hotline numbers 999, 112, 911, and #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203," he said.