Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has expressed concern over the increasing number of road traffic accidents.
In a statement on Saturday, August 24, Masengeli noted that the National Police Service (NPS) is deeply concerned about the rise in fatal and serious road traffic accidents, particularly along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
The IG attributed these accidents to driver behavior and recklessness, which have led to multiple fatalities, especially in the past month.
“It is quite regrettable that most of these road crashes have been associated with human misbehavior, particularly speeding, recklessness, driving under the influence of alcohol, and dangerous overtaking,” Masengeli said.
He revealed that the NPS and leaders from the Kenya Matatu Council held a productive meeting on August 23 aimed at enhancing road safety.
Police IG Message to Kenyans & Motorists
However, he emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that safety and order prevail on the roads at all times.
He urged all motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations and rules.
“The National Police Service, in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority, is working closely to enhance traffic law enforcement efforts,” the IG stated.
Saturday Accidents
This comes at a time when two accidents were reported on different highways on Saturday, August 24.
One person was killed, and 47 others sustained injuries following a road accident at the Migaa blackspot along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The Kenya Red Cross reported that the accident occurred at the Twin Bridge in Molo, Nakuru County, and 14 people were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Another road accident involving a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) matatu was reported along the Naivasha-Nairobi Highway.
Also Read: Accident Alert: Casualties Reported After Accident Involving Matatu and Personal Car
Other Recent Accidents
Additionally, five members of a family died in a road accident at Mbaruk area in Gilgil on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
The victims, a woman and her four sons, were killed when the Mercedes Benz car they were traveling in collided head-on with a lorry at around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13.
Seven days later, thirteen people were killed and thirty-six others injured in an accident at Sachangwan near Salgaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The accident occurred at around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, involving a 56-seater bus and a saloon car near the magic wall that was constructed to prevent accidents along the highway.
According to witnesses, the tragic incident occurred when the bus, traveling from Kericho towards Nakuru, lost control, reportedly due to brake failure.
NTSA Accident Statistics
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed that 1,108 Kenyans lost their lives in road accidents between January and April 1, 2024.
Speaking on April 4, NTSA Director General George Njao identified speeding and drunk driving as the leading causes.
Comparing year-on-year statistics, fatalities rose to 1,189 in 2024, up from 1,129 during the same period in 2023.
Additionally, the number of people slightly injured surged by 56%, with 2,693 cases reported in 2024 compared to 1,726 in the first three months of 2023.
Also Read: Accident Alert: Casualties Reported as Bus Full of Passengers Overturns
Pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 436, followed by passengers at 255. These groups also topped the list in 2023, with 374 pedestrian and 211 passenger deaths.
However, motorcyclist fatalities decreased from 311 in 2023 to 276 in 2024.
Other fatalities included 102 pillion passengers, 98 drivers, and 22 pedal cyclists.
Notably, the number of deceased drivers and pillion passengers declined from 108 and 105, respectively, in the previous year.
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