By C, KNA
Kisumu County yesterday observed the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a solemn ceremony and renewed calls for stronger action to curb the rising number of deaths and injuries on the region’s roads.
The event began at Mamboleo, the site of a recent fatal crash while claimed 26 lives.
Here, county officials, road safety stakeholders and residents gathered in silence as candles were lit to honour men, women and children whose lives were cut short in road accidents.
Families of victims, boda boda operators, schoolchildren and health workers joined the ceremony, many moved to tears as names of the deceased were read out.
From Mamboleo, participants embarked on a symbolic walk to the main venue-Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, carrying placards calling for safer roads, stricter enforcement and responsible behaviour among all road users.
The slow-paced procession snaked through the busy Kisumu–Kakamega Road, drawing attention from motorists and traders who paused to watch.
Addressing the gathering, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Public Works Jerome Ochieng said the day served not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a powerful reminder that every member of the public has a role in preventing further loss of life.
“This is normally an annual event where we commemorate victims of traffic accidents, but beyond remembrance, we must focus on action. Whether you are a driver, a boda boda rider or a pedestrian, we are all road users. We must all take responsibility by being careful and respecting rules,” he said.
Ochieng said the true cost of road crashes is far greater than most people imagine.
He explained that the death of a professional—such as a lawyer, teacher or doctor—represents years of investment that cannot be replaced.
“How long does it take to train a lawyer? How long does it take to train a teacher or a doctor?” he posed. “Some costs cannot be quantified numerically. When a life is lost, families are shattered. Children become orphans, parents are left grieving, and households fall into poverty.”
He emphasized that Kisumu County is committed to reducing fatalities through training, awareness creation and ensuring proper maintenance of county roads.
He noted that the county has intensified collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to educate road users and promote safer practices.
“Road carnage must be reduced to the lowest level possible—and if we can, bring it to almost zero,” he said. “This requires every stakeholder to take deliberate action.”
She noted that the County Transport and Safety Committee (CTSC) plays a crucial role in liaising with NTSA to disseminate safety information and engage with various road users, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, public transport operators and school communities.
“As a county, ensuring that our roads are safe also means prioritizing road maintenance,” she said. “We are working closely with the county government to ensure that signage is clear, roads are well-marked and dangerous spots are addressed.”
NTSA board member Caroline Oduor said the emotional and economic burden of road crashes cannot be ignored, adding that nearly every Kenyan family has been touched by road tragedy in one way or another.
“The people who die or are maimed are not strangers,” she said. “They are our friends, family members, brothers and sisters. Losing them takes a heavy toll—not just emotionally but also economically, because we are losing talent and abilities that could have driven this country forward.”
Oduor said remembrance days are meant to provoke introspection and accountability among institutions and individuals tasked with keeping roads safe.
“It is a conversation we must continue having as a nation,” she said. “One life is too many to lose. We must ask ourselves whether we are truly discharging the responsibilities entrusted to us—whether through policy enforcement, awareness campaigns or personal behaviour.”
Stakeholders pledged to continue awareness campaigns targeting boda boda riders, matatu crews, schoolchildren and private motorists, highlighting that prevention requires shared responsibility and continuous public engagement.