Commemorating World Day Of Remembrance For Road Traffic Victims: A Call For Safer Roads In Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
The Head of Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya (DBDDAK), Calvince Okumu issuing his statement
By Cynthia Masibo
Worth Noting:
- The report also highlighted that a country where 90 percent of its transport needs, both cargo and passenger, are met via road transport, approximately 3,000 people succumb to road accidents every year which is just a fraction of the 1.3 million globally.
- The day provided an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on the devastating impact of road traffic accidents on families, communities, and the nation. The DBDDAK President, Calvince Okumu, delivered a heartfelt message of solidarity to families who have endured the pain of losing loved ones to road crashes. “Your loss is a loss for us all—a poignant reminder of the urgency with which we must act to prevent more lives from being lost,” he said.
The Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya (DBDDAK), under the auspices of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), on Sunday joined the global community in marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Observed annually on the third Sunday of November, the event underscored the urgent need to address road safety challenges in Kenya while paying tribute to the lives lost and those forever impacted by road accidents.
As part of the commemoration, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released a report highlighting nine habits that significantly contribute to road accidents in Kenya, costing the nation dearly in both human and economic terms. According to NTSA Board Chair Manoj Shah, the economic loss due to road traffic crashes is estimated at about 5% of Kenya’s GDP annually—equivalent to Ksh310 billion or US$3.1 billion.
Among the key behavioral causes identified, “drunk-walking” ranked as a leading factor. This habit, coupled with others like reckless driving, distracted road use, and failure to observe traffic rules, contributes to thousands of road deaths and injuries annually.
“The economic loss due to road traffic crashes in Kenya is staggering and demands immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis,” Shah emphasized in the report.
The report also highlighted that a country where 90 percent of its transport needs, both cargo and passenger, are met via road transport, approximately 3,000 people succumb to road accidents every year which is just a fraction of the 1.3 million globally.
The day provided an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on the devastating impact of road traffic accidents on families, communities, and the nation. The DBDDAK President, Calvince Okumu, delivered a heartfelt message of solidarity to families who have endured the pain of losing loved ones to road crashes. “Your loss is a loss for us all—a poignant reminder of the urgency with which we must act to prevent more lives from being lost,” he said.
This year’s commemoration was particularly personal for DBDDAK as the association paid tribute to one of its own, Joel Kinoti, who tragically lost his life on 10th November 2024. His death underscored the pressing need for collective action to improve road safety and prevent further tragedies.
DBDDAK reiterated its commitment to the vision of zero road traffic fatalities, aligning itself with President William Ruto’s call for “Safety and Sanity” in Kenya’s transport systems. The association also backed the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) National Action Plan, which seeks to significantly reduce road traffic deaths through enforcement of traffic laws, enhanced infrastructure, and public education.
“Achieving zero road traffic fatalities is not just a vision but a necessity,” Okumu emphasized. “It demands steadfast commitment, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and collective responsibility from all stakeholders, road users, and the public.”
DBDDAK outlined specific measures to address the road safety crisis. The association urged the NTSA to intensify the enforcement of traffic laws to curb reckless driving and reduce accidents. It called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to ensure that all roads meet safety standards, including the installation of proper signage, lighting, and road markings to protect all users.
Additionally, the association appealed to all road users to embrace responsible behavior, prioritizing safety over speed and respecting traffic rules. “Together, we can work toward safer roads for all Kenyans and honor the memories of those we have lost by preventing future tragedies,” Okumu stated.
Road traffic accidents remain a significant challenge in Kenya, claiming thousands of lives annually and leaving countless others with life-altering injuries. The World Day of Remembrance is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address this crisis through concerted efforts by government agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens.
As Kenyans marked this day of reflection and advocacy, the hope for safer roads resonated strongly. For families mourning their loved ones, like those of Joel Kinoti, the push for transformative change in Kenya’s road safety landscape is not just a policy issue—it is a matter of life and death
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