At least 3,000 people have died in road accidents across the country since January, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) director Badu Katelo said yesterday. About 3,500 died the same period last year.

Katelo said more than 10,000 people suffered injuries, which he attributed to careless driving with 90 per cent of road carnage having been occasioned by human error.

Addressing stakeholders at Kisii University yesterday during the United Nations (UN) National Day to  commemorate victims of road accidents — those who died and injured — Katelo challenged motorists to be careful on the road and shun drunk driving to reduce accidents.

“Drivers who violate traffic rules and cause accidents will have their driving licenses suspended, be retrained and retested before they get them,” Katelo said.

Accompanied by the University Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama, county Police Commander Jebel Munene and Nyanza region National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse coordinator Esther Okenye, he said the government is mainstreaming road safety in all sectors to reduce accidents, deaths and sufferings.

Katelo lauded the university for mainstreaming road safety in its academic programmes, adding NTSA will offer the  institution technical support to start a centre for road safety.

“Kisii University will be a model in institutionalising road safety. NTSA has partnered with Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to roll out road safety campaigns in schools,” Katelo said.

Akama said the institution  has two vibrant Associations- scouting movements and St John’s ambulance tasked with sensitising members of the public on road safety.

The VC challenged drivers and boda boda operators to be vigilant and avoid driving offensively, stressing it led to accidents, loss of lives and suffering.

“Every driver should drive defensively and not offensively. Do not drive as if you own the road and risks lives of other road users,” Akama said.

Ease movement 

He said Kisii central business district was congested with vehicles, boda boda operators and urged the county government to decongest it to ease movement of pedestrians.

Okenye challenged drivers to shun drunk driving and substance abuse,  saying they are major contributors to road crashes. 

He urged drivers and boda boda operators to be extra vigilant on the road and observe traffic rules. 

During the commemoration, several stakeholders, including managers of driving schools and scouts marched in Kisii Town to create awareness on road safety.