Government Urges Road Safety Ahead of Festive Season
This announcement comes amid a recent tragic accident on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, where 13 people lost their lives in an incident near the Igbalu Bridge.
Ministry of Interior urged Kenyans to be careful while travelling ahead of festive season. Photo/The Standard Kenya.
As Kenyans prepare for the festive season, the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination has issued a call for heightened road safety awareness.
This announcement comes amid a recent tragic accident on the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, where 13 people lost their lives in an incident near the Igbalu Bridge.
In a press statement, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination, expressed condolences to the affected families and urged caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies.
Dr. Mudavadi emphasized the importance of vigilance and safety during the holiday season, a period historically marked by increased travel and road usage.
He appealed to all road users, especially students preparing for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, to exercise caution on their journeys.
The Ministry’s statement stressed the need for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to stay alert to ensure everyone’s safety on Kenya’s roads.
According to the Ministry, road accident statistics this year have shown an alarming trend, with a rise in fatalities and serious injuries compared to previous years.
By November, the number of lives lost in road accidents stood at 4,047, an increase from 3,726 the previous year.
Similarly, the reported injuries have risen, with 20,340 people injured in 2024 compared to 19,812 in 2023. The Ministry’s report highlighted that 12,092 serious injuries were recorded last year, underscoring the urgent need for road safety interventions.
The Ministry pointed out specific issues that contribute to the high accident rates, including speeding, drunk driving, and a lack of adherence to traffic rules.
To address these, the government is enhancing its oversight of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and has instructed operators to comply with road safety laws and regulations. PSV owners are urged to ensure their vehicles are in safe operating conditions, with up-to-date registration and valid road service licenses.
In his statement, Dr. Mudavadi directed traffic police officers nationwide to intensify their monitoring and enforcement activities.
He called on them to ensure that all PSVs are roadworthy and driven by qualified personnel. Additionally, PSVs must only operate on designated, licensed routes, and all vehicles must display a valid Road Service License.
As the festive season approaches, Dr. Mudavadi reminded Kenyans that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging everyone to be mindful of their actions on the road.
He expressed hope that with collective vigilance, the country could reduce road accidents and make the holiday season safer for all.
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