The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public warning against the growing trend of road encroachment, particularly the use of road reserves for informal business activities. This caution comes amid rising concerns over increasing road fatalities, which have already surpassed 3,000 deaths this year.
During a recent road safety sensitisation exercise along the Kenol-Sagana highway, KeNHA highlighted the danger posed by individuals and traders who set up structures close to major roads. The authority stressed that such practices put lives at risk, especially when vehicles lose control and veer off the road.
The awareness campaign brought together several key players in the transport and safety sectors. The exercise aimed to remind road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and vendors, that safety on roads is a shared responsibility. The initiative was part of the activities aligned with the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, which focuses on promoting sustainable and safe transport systems.
KeNHA emphasised the urgency of the matter, citing disturbing figures from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). According to recent data, more than 3,000 people have lost their lives on Kenyan roads since the beginning of the year. The figures underscore a growing public safety crisis, prompting authorities to step up interventions.
In April, the NTSA reported that 1,139 deaths had occurred within the first quarter alone, with pedestrians and motorcycle users accounting for the largest proportion of fatalities. These two groups remain the most vulnerable in road accidents. Motorcyclists, often without adequate protective gear, and pedestrians, who frequently walk along or cross busy highways without designated paths, are disproportionately affected.
Further statistics revealed that out of the 5,856 individuals involved in road crashes during the period under review, 3,316 sustained serious injuries while 2,693 suffered minor injuries. These figures demonstrate the significant impact road accidents have not just in terms of fatalities but also in causing long-term physical harm and economic disruption for thousands of families.
Despite regular traffic enforcement and the efforts of NTSA officers and police personnel, the high number of deaths has persisted. This has led to the reintroduction of alco-blow checkpoints as authorities seek to combat drink-driving, which remains a major contributor to road carnage.
To bolster road safety further, the Inspector General of Police announced a raft of new measures intended to reduce accident rates. Among these is the automation of systems used by the National Police Service. These include the implementation of instant fines and an electronic Occurrence Book (OB), both aimed at improving efficiency and reducing opportunities for corruption within traffic operations.
The Inspector General expressed his commitment to creating a more accountable and transparent framework for road safety enforcement. By embracing digital tools and fostering closer cooperation among transport stakeholders, the goal is to establish a system that not only deters reckless behavior but also protects all road users, including those who are most at risk.
As the number of road-related deaths continues to rise, the call from authorities remains clear road safety is a collective duty. Everyone, from motorists to pedestrians, has a role to play in reversing the current trend and ensuring safer roads for all.
