Kenya’s roads have become synonymous with tragedy as the nation grapples with an alarming rise in road accidents. Each year, thousands of lives are lost, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning. This critical article aims to shed light on the pressing issue of road accidents in Kenya and emphasize the need for immediate action. When available statistics are examined, it becomes apparent that road safety measures and enforcement must be prioritized as a matter of national interest. First, to save thousands of lives, save already scarce funds, and position the country to attract investments.
"Road accidents is Kenya's top 5 cause of death and leading for youth between 15 and 19"
Why isn't road safety an issue of national dialogue?
The biggest societal issue in Kenya today in the limelight is the high cost of living. There was a time when terrorism was a national matter, and we witnessed dramatic al-Shabaab attacks between 2015 and 2018. The Westgate Mall attack became a turning point for the country, leading to the modernization of the army, the creation of specialized police units, and heightened security in public places. “All shopping malls in Kenya have at least two layers of security with compulsory frisking.” People have generally accepted this. However, the country seems to be hiding or ignoring a more important problem: road accidents. The World Health Organization estimated in 2015 that Kenya loses at least 5% of its gross domestic product to road accidents, and from public records, we have established that since 2010, at least 3,000 people die on the road every year. The cause of these accidents is often the bad condition of the roads, unmarked roads, and roadworthy vehicles. Road transport is the only reliable and affordable mode of transportation for most people in Kenya, yet there is very little public investment in it.
Images are hard to erase !!!
Today, on the 1st of July 2023, we woke up to sad news that at least 55 people had perished in a road accident in Londiani, Kenya. We knew that figure could go up because when the news came in, we had learned that at the same time, at least 60 people had been taken to the hospital, most of them in critical condition. The government’s reaction could be described as minimal, with few elected leaders giving their comments here and there.
I have witnessed this mess firsthand! Traders share space with parked vehicles, cyclists, boarding passengers, and moving cars. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is struggling to formalize the transport system, but politics and corruption weigh heavily. Nairobi could be the only modern city in the world without a public transport system. The campaign for previous elections proved that lives lost on the road don’t outweigh political wins. When tragedies happen, politicians come to the place of the accident to offer a few thousand notes, gain a little popularity, and then go back to business as usual.
Numerous factors contribute to the alarming rate of road accidents in Kenya. One prominent cause is inadequate road infrastructure. Many roads lack proper signage, lighting, and safety features, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. Poorly designed and maintained roads, coupled with a lack of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes, further exacerbate the situation.
Another significant factor is reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic regulations. Over speeding, drunk driving, and overtaking in dangerous situations are rampant on Kenyan roads. Moreover, the absence of effective law enforcement and a culture of impunity perpetuate this behaviour. The lack of stringent penalties and a system that holds individuals accountable for their actions contribute to a sense of disregard for road safety.
What could be done to reduce road accidents?
Addressing the road accident crisis in Kenya requires a multifaceted approach that involves all stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, road users, and civil society organizations. The following measures should be prioritized:
- Infrastructure Improvement: Investment in road infrastructure should be
a top priority. This includes enhancing road design, implementing effective signage, ensuring proper lighting, and developing dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes.
- Stricter Law Enforcement: The government must enforce traffic regulations rigorously. This requires increasing police presence on the roads, establishing speed traps, and conducting regular sobriety tests. Additionally, penalties for traffic offenses should be revised and made more stringent to deter reckless driving.
- Education and Awareness: Comprehensive road safety education programs should be implemented across schools, colleges, and driving schools. These programs should focus on instilling responsible road behaviour, the dangers of drunk driving, and the importance of seat belt usage and helmet wearing.
- Public Campaigns: Engaging the public through mass media campaigns can raise awareness about road safety. These campaigns should highlight the consequences of reckless driving, provide practical tips for safe driving, and encourage a culture of responsible road behaviour.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and private sector entities is vital for creating a sustained impact. Partnerships can lead to the sharing of resources, expertise, and innovative solutions to address the road accident crisis effectively.
How can we ignore 3,000 souls every year? Maybe it is the government’s agenda to reduce death on the road, but what about the 5% of GDP? That could make a difference in this money-saving spree, even if we could save 2 percent of that. The French, with their globally reaching army, spent 1.95% of their GDP in 2021. This puts things into perspective on how much the country is losing due to road accidents.
