By Melanie Atieno Otieno
Kenya has an increasing population and with that motorization also increases. Just like other countries, Kenya as well is faced with road traffic accidents (RTA) which not only causes injuries but also fatalities.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) highlight the common categories of road traffic accidents that are currently happening in Kenya. They include; knocking down of victims especially the pedestrian, hit and run where motorists hit someone and goes Scot free, losing control due to faulty brakes, fire outbursts where a vehicle bursts into flames due to overheating or exhausted engines and lastly head on collision due to reckless driving.
The reports from World Health Organization (WHO) identifies road traffic deaths (RTDs) as the leading cause of death for people groups 5 and 29 years of age and Kenya has experienced an increase in RTAs over the last decade. Most accidents occur in Kenya because the road infrastructural development is still lagging as well as policy challenges in following through the International Safety Standards.
Despite Kenya being a low income country, the government should at least hasten with the road infrastructural development and implement strict rules that ensure the safety measures are put into consideration. The traffic officers should not only accept bribes but also ensure that the drivers and passengers are safe. The owners of various motorcycles and vehicles should ensure their vehicles are well serviced and safe for transport. On the other hand, the passengers should also know their rights and always follow the safety measures. The rate at which we’re losing our loved ones because of road accidents should decline.
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