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A total of 3,999 lives were lost as a result of road accidents between January 1 and December 7, down from the 4,352 people who died in similar circumstances during the same period last year, according to official data.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, however, said there was little to celebrate because the number of serious injuries increased from 8,974 to 9,698.

Speaking in Nairobi yesterday during the launch of Kenya’s Highway Code and Drivers’ Handbooks, said slight injuries had also increased from 6,497 to 6,971.

“Even one life lost is one too many. These are not mere statistics. These are our dear relatives, our friends and fellow citizens. And, all lives are precious. As a ministry we shall continue working to reduce fatal accidents on our roads drastically,” he said.

At the same time, the CS warned that the country has recorded an increase in pedal accidents compared to the same period last year. 

According to Murkomen, the increase in the pedal cyclists deaths can be attributed to  speeding vehicles, dangerous cycling, unsafe changing of lanes and lack of non-motorised transport (NMT) facilities.

Drink driving, use of mobile phones by both motorists and cyclists and other forms of distraction were cited as reasons that have led to the increase in accidents.

“Driving on our roads, I am saddened to note that most of our motorists are either unaware of the risks associated with reckless driving or they are deliberately engaging in poor practices that endanger their own lives or that of other road users,” he said.

Murkomen said a majority of road traffic deaths and injuries are preventable if road users did their part.

“We must change our unsafe road user behaviour, which contributes to about 90 per cent of our accidents. Prevention is key. Drink driving, speeding, non-utilization of seat belts and helmets, unsafe road crossing by pedestrians are major contributors to our road traffic accidents and injuries,” he said.

The Highway Code and  Driver’s Handbooks  are part of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Usalama Barabarani campaign aimed at enhancing safe road user behaviour and survivability of traffic victims in road incidences.

 The Highway Code provides rules and guidelines on how to use the road. All road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists – have a right to access the road, but they should always act responsibly so as to ensure the safety for all.

New rules

It takes into consideration new rules and guidelines for driving in East Africa as well as the international standards for safe driving. Safety is guaranteed to us if we understand and internalise these guidelines.

Elsewhere, four people died yesterday in a road accident involving a Nakuru- bound matatu and a bus on the Eldoret – Nakuru road.

The matatu, belonging to the Msamaria Shuttle which was heading to Nakuru with 16 passengers on board is said to have lost control and rammed into the 60-seater bus.

The dead included the matatu’s driver and three passengers.

Nine other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Eldama Ravine Sub-County Referral Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

National Police Service urged all motorists and road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly during this rainy season.

“We urge motorists and all other road users to exercise extreme caution while on the roads especially during this rainy season,” police said in a statement.

Yesterday’s accident came two days after 12 people lost their lives in another fatal crash at Kikima, Makueni on Saturday. in this incident, a matatu lost control and plunged into a ditch in Kikima, Makueni County.

Ten of the fatalities died on the spot while two more succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment a day later.

Currently, six people are still undergoing treatment at Makueni County Referral Hospital in Wote town.

The 14-seater matatu was traveling from Kikima township to Machakos town when its brakes failed at around 6pm.