Road accidents claim 4,282 lives this year, police report
By Lucy Mumbi |
In a statement issued on Thursday, Kanja highlighted the rising trend in road accidents and urged caution during the festive season.
The National Police Service has reported a total of 4,282 fatalities from road accidents in 2024, an increase of 192 compared to the 4,090 deaths recorded in 2023.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja disclosed that the number of road accident victims also rose to 21,620 this year, up from 20,239 last year, marking a seven per cent increase.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, Kanja highlighted the rising trend in road accidents and urged caution during the festive season.
He noted that fatal accidents recorded between January and November this year rose to 3,681, compared to 3,469 in the same period last year, an increase of 212 incidents.
"Last year, from January to November, we recorded 3,469 fatal accidents compared to 3,681 this year, marking a six per cent rise. In terms of victims, there were 20,239 road traffic victims in 2023 compared to 21,620 this year, reflecting a seven per cent increase. Out of this, 4,090 victims lost their lives in 2023, compared to 4,282 in 2024, indicating an increase of 192 fatalities," Kanja said.
The police chief attributed many of these accidents to human error, including failure to comply with traffic laws, and called for collective efforts to curb the menace.
As the festive season approaches, Kanja warned of heightened risks due to increased travel, public gatherings, and shopping activities.
"Major highways are likely to experience heavy traffic, compounded by poor visibility and flooded roads caused by the ongoing rains," he said.
He urged motorists to exercise caution and prioritise safety to reduce road carnage.
To address these challenges, the National Police Service has launched a multi-agency operational plan. This includes deploying additional traffic officers to manage the flow of vehicles and working with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct compliance checks and crackdowns on highways.
"We are also collaborating with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent corruption on the roads during this festive season," Kanja said.
Beyond road safety, Kanja said the police will increase their presence nationwide to enhance public security during the holidays.
He noted that specialized units, including the Formed Police Units and undercover officers, will be deployed alongside regular police to patrol major towns, borders, shopping centres, places of worship, and critical infrastructure.
Kanja appealed to all road users—drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and boda boda riders—to observe traffic rules and avoid risky behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, and operating unroadworthy vehicles.
"We call upon the public to remain vigilant during the celebrations and report any crimes or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our hotlines: 999, 112, 911, and #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203," he said.
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