Concerns have mounted by Kenyans over the increasing number of road accidents in the country, with road users attributing the surge to reckless driving and overspeeding.
Road users from the Rift Valley said the worrying trend has continued despite ongoing road safety campaigns.
Led by Nancy Kirwa, the group also accused bodaboda operators of frequently flouting traffic rules, thereby contributing significantly to the accidents. “Recklessness among drivers and bodaboda riders is costing lives every day,” Kirwa said during a gathering in Kapsabet town. “Many of these accidents could be avoided if road users simply followed the rules.”
Kirwa further criticised some traffic officers for allegedly accepting bribes rather than enforcing the law. She demanded firm action against corrupt officers, adding that passengers also have a responsibility to safeguard their own safety.
“We cannot continue losing lives because some officers are more interested in bribes than safety,” she said. “Travellers, too, must take responsibility and avoid vehicles that are clearly unroadworthy or being driven carelessly.”
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To improve safety, Kirwa suggested that all motorists undergo periodic training to refresh their road skills. “Road safety should be given priority. Continuous training will help reduce errors and ensure all drivers understand current rules,” she added.
Another road user, Lince Ngetich, called for the reinstatement of the once-strict ‘Michuki Rules’, noting that lax enforcement is partly to blame for the rising fatalities. “We need the strict enforcement we saw under the Michuki era. Things have fallen apart because the rules are no longer fully enforced,” Ngetich said.
This year alone, at least 4,100 people have died on Kenyan roads—a figure that has prompted the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to introduce fresh enforcement measures as the country enters the high-risk festive travel period.
Road users are now urging authorities to act swiftly to curb the escalating number of accidents and save lives.
By Kimutai Langat
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