Road accidents killed more Kenyans in 2022 than COVID-19 – CS Murkomen

The CS voiced concern during the launch of the 2022 December Festivity Enforcement Initiative on Tuesday at Harambee House regarding the rise in fatalities, which he blamed on the negligence of other road users.

"From the analysis of past reports, a high number of road carnage results from avoidable human factors including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, dangerous overtaking, fatigue, and ignoring traffic lights and signs among others," Murkomen stated.

"This is really very painful to read to see how we are losing people; in one year, we have lost the number of people more than the one we lost in the entire period of COVID through accidents and this is very painful.” 

According to him, 4,449 people lost their lives in the last year, a 3% increase from 2021 when there were 4271 cases.

CS Murkomen continued by breaking down the cases, noting that there were 403 driver fatalities overall, 1,190 motorcycle riders, and 1595 pedestrians. In the same 2022 time frame, 1,204 passengers perished.

“We have lost 4,449 people, if you see the statistics, pedestrians who are closing the road are 1595, drivers are 403, passengers are 793, 411 motorcycle passengers 411. We have lost 1,190 motorcycle riders,” he stated.

The CS expressed the government's commitment to reducing the numbers by adopting a multipronged strategy that entails public awareness and enforcement.

He has since directed road and safety agencies to enforce road safety measures such as erecting proper signage, surveillance and launching awareness campaigns to promote behaviour change among road users.

“I have instructed Kenya National Highways Authority, (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to heighten surveillance on our roads and ensure all stalled vehicles are towed within one hour to enable smooth flow of traffic,” he said.

He added: “I have also directed NTSA to intensify the Usalama Barabarani programme and awareness campaigns to effect positive behaviour change among road users. The Authority is already engaging PSV Saccos on the well-being of drivers and ensuring they are sensitised on their role in preventing road carnage.”

Murkomen also urged the public to be vigilant in reporting reckless drivers and urged motorists to take personal responsibility by obeying the law and following road safety precautions.

“Private motor vehicle owners, heavy commercial vehicle owners and PSV Saccos should ensure drivers are well rested and vehicles well serviced before taking to the roads,” he said.

“We are working with citizens to promote personal responsibility by encouraging passengers in both private and public vehicles to speak out against reckless driving and other habits that endanger the lives of Kenyans,” Murkomen stated.

“We urge motorists, especially those driving heavy commercial vehicles and public service vehicles operating at night to 2 | Page implement measures that will enhance visibility. This includes proper positioning of signage like triangles, chevrons, and retro-reflective.”