At least 4,104 people have died in road accidents this year, according to the latest statistics from National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
This is an increase from the 3,947 who perished in accidents last year, representing a four per cent increase.
This year’s deaths were recorded from 18,474 accidents.
Those who died were 1,486 pedestrians, drivers (378), passengers (721), pillion passengers (377), pedal cyclists (56) and 1,085 motorcyclists.
“Unfortunately, these numbers will keep increasing if we do not adopt safe road user behaviour and adhere to basic safety practices, including the use of safety belts, and pedestrian paths, among others,” said NTSA board chairperson Agnes Odhiambo who spoke during celebrations to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic victims in Nairobi.
NTSA data shows another 8,371 people were seriously injured while 6,000 sustained minor injuries.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who was represented by Justice Richard Mwongo, lamented that courts are taking too long to hear and determine cases relating to road accidents.
“Injuries from these crashes always have the unfortunate effect of turning a previously independent person to rely on others for support. As justice actors, we must take initiatives to ensure effective and efficient justice for the victims of road accidents,” said Koome.
To ease the burden on accident victims, Koome said cases should not take more than three years on trial and one year on appeal.
“Long court trials add trauma to the victims who are mostly nursing injuries during trials but with this benchmark on the responsive justice system, we are certain that we will be able to deliver expeditious justice to Kenyans, including victims of road accidents,” said the CJ.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who was represented by traffic police commandant Mary Omari, said the National Police Service is leveraging technological advancements to better manage traffic.
The IG said, in partnership with the World Bank, NTSA and other agencies, they will develop an Electronic Crash System (E-Crash) that will compile information on accidents, with standardised entries and automated reports for inter-institutional road safety measures and monitoring.
