Kenya has recorded 2,933 road fatalities so far this year, with 80 deaths reported in just the past four days, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has said.
In a statement following tragic road accidents witnessed over the weekend, Chirchir said his ministry has launched nationwide “safety audits” and inspections at accident-prone road segments to identify hazards, reconstruct crash scenes, and propose technical recommendations within seven days.
“The team is expected to complete the exercise within the next seven days and submit recommendations for immediate implementation to avert unnecessary loss of lives,” Chirchir said.
The CS has added that legislative reforms are at an advanced stage to strengthen road safety laws on school transport, commercial vehicle operations, drink driving, vehicle inspections, roadside stations, and a review of the Traffic Act.
“This wholistic and collaborative approach will go a long way in reducing fatalities and injuries on our roads. Road traffic accidents are not only predictable but also preventable if all road users played their part,” he said.
On Friday evening, a school bus ferrying mourners from Nyahera to Nyakach in Kisumu County rolled at the Coptic blackspot while trying to maneuver a corner, killing 26 people.
Survivors were rushed to Kisumu County Referral Hospital and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where several remain in critical condition.
On Saturday morning, eight people were killed after a lorry and a 14-seater matatu collided head-on at the Korompoi area along the Namanga–Kitengela Road in Kajiado County.
