The heavy weight of road crashes amid an infrastructural deficiency in Kenya

Beneath this vibrant scene lies a stark reality—the rising menace of road crashes, a grim epidemic that claims thousands of lives each year and imposes heavy emotional and financial burdens on victims and their families. Every day, the media reports on road crashes, highlighting the relentless cycle of tragedy that unfolds on these very streets. The constant barrage of news stories serves as a chilling reminder of the risks faced by all road users, underscoring the urgent need for heightened awareness and action to combat this escalating crisis.

Kenya, like many countries across Africa, is grappling with a road safety crisis that threatens public health and the economic well-being of its citizens. As part of Africa’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, Kenya has committed to halving road traffic fatalities, but achieving this ambitious goal has proven to be an uphill battle. Despite various efforts aimed at improving road safety, the toll of traffic accidents continues to rise, and the consequences are devastating. “The ongoing challenge lies in changing deeply rooted behaviors, both among drivers and pedestrians,” explains Chiara Retis, a team lead at the World Health Organization (WHO).

To address this issue, Chiara advocates for a shift away from individual vehicle use by promoting public transport and creating safer infrastructure for walking and cycling. She emphasizes the necessity for improved road and vehicle safety standards, as well as tackling risky behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence through a combination of awareness campaigns and stringent legislation. 

“Kenya has established a national strategy and action plan to improve road safety, with the goal of reducing road traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030. This initiative includes enhancing law enforcement, conducting public awareness campaigns, and investing in infrastructure improvements to ensure safer roads for all users,” Chiara adds.

According to the latest WHO Status Report on Road Safety in Africa, the region is lagging behind global standards for road safety measures. A significant contributor to this regression is the poor enforcement of road safety laws in many African nations. The report notes that more than 45 countries are represented in the data, with over 200,000 road fatalities recorded annually. This troubling figure underscores the inadequate road safety interventions currently in place, highlighting the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement strategies to address this escalating trend and improve overall road safety across the continent.

A Mother's Loss

Mary Kasaya, a mother of two, bears the weight of this crisis as she recounts the tragic loss of her husband Kato, who died in a road crash two years ago. Kata was a bodaboda rider, part of the rapidly growing motorcycle taxi industry that serves as a vital source of income for many in Kenya. On the fateful day, Kata was transporting a passenger when a speeding car veered off the road and collided with him. He died instantly.

“I couldn’t believe it. He had just left home to go to work like he did every day. In one moment, my entire life changed. I had to take care of our two children alone. I was left with no income and bills piling up,” Mary recalls, her voice heavy with grief.

The financial implications of Kata’s death were immediate and overwhelming for Mary. The funeral costs alone exceeded Ksh. 100,000, forcing her to borrow money from friends and family to cover the expenses. After the funeral, she struggled to make ends meet, ultimately moving in with her parents and taking on menial jobs to support her children. Her story is one shared by countless families across Kenya who lose loved ones to road crashes.

The health impact of road crashes in Kenya is huge as each year, thousands are killed or severely injured in traffic accidents, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists bearing the brunt of the toll. WHO reports that the African region, including Kenya, experiences the highest rate of road traffic fatalities globally, with road crashes being the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.

At Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the largest referral hospital in the country, wards are often filled with survivors of road crashes, many requiring extensive medical care. The hospital admits over 1,300 patients annually who need prosthetics due to injuries sustained in road accidents. For many of these survivors, the road to recovery is long and expensive.

Costly crashes 

One of the most significant challenges faced by road crash survivors is the exorbitant cost of medical care. Prosthetic limbs, for instance, can cost anywhere from Ksh. 250,000 to over half a million shillings, an amount far beyond the reach of most Kenyans, particularly those living in rural areas or informal settlements. Without adequate financial resources, many victims are unable to access necessary treatment, leaving them with lifelong disabilities.

The strain on Kenya’s healthcare system is considerable, as road crash victims often require emergency surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical support. The costs associated with treating severe injuries can overwhelm public hospitals, which are already struggling with underfunding and staffing shortages. For many victims, the lack of timely and adequate medical care worsens their conditions, complicating their recovery and prolonging their suffering.

Beyond the immediate medical costs, road crashes impose a heavy financial burden on families. The loss of a breadwinner, as experienced by Mary, can plunge families into poverty. Many victims are young, working-age individuals who play critical roles in their households. When they are killed or severely injured, their families are left to shoulder the financial strain.

The case of Nancy Mumbua, a 25-year-old woman, exemplifies the harsh realities of this crisis. One fateful day, while walking from home, she was struck by a speeding car, resulting in the loss of her left leg. This traumatic incident plunged Nancy into a world of physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. While she accepted her fate, it didn’t come without a toll. “The physical pain was one thing, but the thought of never being able to walk properly again—that broke me a little,” she recalls, her once-lively demeanor dimmed by the weight of her injury.

Nancy’s story is far from unique. Each year, thousands of Kenyans endure similar fates, with many left with permanent disabilities. The cost of road crashes extends beyond the loss of life; it encompasses the financial burden placed on survivors and their families. Amputations like Nancy’s necessitate extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and, importantly, assistive devices such as prosthetics.

As Kenya grapples with the escalating road safety crisis, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of road crashes. Dr. Gladys Moraa Nyachieo, a Transport researcher with interest in road safety, emphasizes several critical areas requiring attention to enhance road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and motorcyclists.

“Social, cultural, and economic factors significantly influence the high rate of road crashes involving pedestrians and motorcyclists in Kenya. Limited knowledge of how to navigate complex road systems, such as the Thika Super Highway, contributes to this issue,” explains Dr. Nyachieo. “Communities need more education on road safety, especially considering the rapid urbanization and infrastructural changes that have occurred without adequate public information.”

The Infrastructure Crisis

Improving road infrastructure is one crucial element in addressing road safety. Many Kenyan roads lack sufficient pedestrian crossings, signage, and safety features, making them perilous for those on foot. In areas where homes, schools, and markets are located close to busy roads, the risk of accidents escalates dramatically. The absence of flyovers or pedestrian bridges forces people to cross highways without proper guidance, often leading to tragic outcomes.

Moreover, the situation is deepened by driver behavior, which is a form of human error. Human error refers to the mistakes or lapses in judgment made by individuals that can lead to adverse outcomes, such as traffic accidents. In the context of road safety, human error manifests through various types of driver behavior, including distraction, aggressive driving, impaired judgment, and poor decision-making.

High-speed limits near schools, insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations, and reckless driving by public transport vehicles like matatus are significant contributors to pedestrian fatalities. These behaviors often stem from a lack of awareness or disregard for the risks involved, leading drivers to make unsafe choices that jeopardize the safety of vulnerable road users, particularly children.

As Dr. Nyachieo points out, “Enforcing speed limits, especially in high-risk areas, is essential. We need a cultural shift in how drivers perceive their responsibilities toward vulnerable road users.” This highlights the critical need for a change in mindset among drivers, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the need to prioritize safety over convenience. By addressing human error through education, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and fostering a culture of respect for all road users, we can significantly reduce the incidence of pedestrian fatalities and create safer road environments.

The boda boda sector, which has become a lifeline for many in Kenya, presents unique challenges in terms of road safety. With a lack of regulatory frameworks governing their operations, many boda boda riders often prioritize income over safety. Dr. Nyachieo notes, “When boda boda operators first entered the market, there were few rules. This culture of recklessness—overloading, non-use of helmets, and lack of training—continues to prevail.”

Darence represents the daily struggles of many boda boda riders. He acquired his motorbike through a hire purchase agreement with a local vendor, remitting Ksh.500 daily as part of his payment. “On a typical day, my trips generate around Ksh.1,000, but this can vary greatly depending on demand. On bad days, I may earn Ksh 300 or less after fueling,” he explains.

In 2020, the cost of his motorbike was Ksh.250,000, but market fluctuations have now brought the price down to Ksh 180,000. Darence’s daily grind is emblematic of the ups and downs faced by many boda boda riders, who rely on their earnings to pay off loans while navigating uncertain income.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Darence remained committed to paying off his motorbike, which he finally completed after 18 months. Now that he owns it, he reflects on the change it has brought to his life. “I no longer have to overwork or rush through each trip to earn the Ksh 500 I used to remit daily for the bike. Now, my focus is on providing for my household's daily needs,” he says, expressing relief at his newfound financial freedom, which allows him to manage his time better and prioritize his family’s well-being.

The economic model for many boda boda riders compels them to maximize their trips to meet daily remittance targets, often resulting in fatigue and risky driving behavior. This relentless pursuit of profit not only strains the riders but also compromises their safety and that of their passengers. The lack of protective gear further heightens these risks, leaving riders vulnerable to injuries in the event of accidents.

According to Owuor Otet, one of the critical consequences of insufficient training is the issue of unexpected acceleration, which poses a significant concern for inexperienced riders. A sudden or overly sensitive throttle response can catch them off guard, often leading to a loss of control. Moreover, if a rider accidentally releases the throttle too quickly—especially in lower gears—it can cause the engine to stall. This unexpected stalling may lead to dangerous situations, increasing the risk of accidents on the road. The absence of proper training not only affects riders' technical skills but also their ability to anticipate and react to potential hazards, making it imperative to prioritize education and safety measures within the industry.

Toward a Safer Future

The statistics are disheartening: Kenya ranks as one of the countries with the highest road traffic death rates in the world. Each life lost is a tragedy, resounding through families and communities. The health sector must prioritize road safety as part of a broader public health agenda, focusing on prevention, education, and sustainable solutions. The Kenyan government has initiated road safety awareness campaigns, yet a cultural shift in how road safety is perceived and implemented is crucial.

“The road safety conversation must involve all stakeholders, from government and law enforcement to the community at large. Education, law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements must be woven together in a cohesive strategy,” emphasizes Dr. Nyachieo.

Kenya stands at a critical juncture in its road safety journey. As the nation strives to meet global targets for reducing road traffic fatalities, it is imperative to listen to the stories of those affected—like Mary and Nancy—who carry the scars of loss and resilience. Their experiences serve as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize human life and ensure safer roads for all.