The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has raised fresh concerns over the increasing number of road fatalities, shifting the spotlight to human factors driving the country’s alarming road carnage.
NTSA South Nyanza Regional Manager Adan Adow revealed that 4,748 people lost their lives on Kenyan roads in 2024, a figure he described as “worrying” and largely preventable.
“Among these we have the categories which we are calling as the vulnerable road users who are disproportionately exposed to danger due to reckless road behavior by drivers and riders. Pedestrians are leading, contributing to more than 40 percent of the deaths. Motorcycle riders are second in the category, followed by pillion passengers and cyclists,” he noted.
Adow was speaking Sunday at Huduma Centre within Homa Bay town during a stakeholders’ engagement session aimed at equipping them with updated statistics, insights and precautions as road users. This initiative is part of NTSA’s efforts to reduce road carnage and promote responsible road use.
He emphasised that more than 85 percent of road fatalities are linked to human behavior, including carelessness, poor attitude, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving, especially phone usage, which remain some of the biggest contributors.
“Phones have helped us in many ways, but they have also increased cases of distracted driving. The public must understand that life does not have a reset button,” he implied.
He urged government officers to act as role models in how they use the road and spread the information to the community.
“We are reminding our officers that road safety begins with personal responsibility. One life lost is one too many. These are not just numbers but lives,” Adow said.
He also appealed to road users to always observe the already established traffic rules and regulations to avert deaths as a result of accidents.
Huduma Deputy Centre Manager Adero Joseph welcomed this initiative, noting the insights are essential in promoting safer road practices
“I want to thank the NTSA department for the vital insights they have given us. The information on road use and safety is of great value to the general public. When we understand how better road usage and maintenance can be enhanced, we help make our roads safer for all,” he said.
by Sitna Omar
