Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has asked Kenyans to observe traffic rules to keep roads safe.
Speaking at AIC Milimani, Nairobi, on Sunday, the CS said the government is committed to taming runaway cases of accidents in the country.
“As a Ministry, we are doing everything possible, including the privatization of motor vehicle inspection, installation of speed cameras and getting NTSA to crack down on unroadworthy vehicles and irresponsible motorists,” he said.
The CS said that many of the road accidents happening in the country are a result of outright recklessness adding that the behaviour of drivers on the road is all that is needed to make a difference.
“Pedestrians, especially in the big cities, continue to bear the biggest brunt of road deaths and this must stop. That is why, even as we rein in errant drivers, we are installing footbridges in many parts of the city including Mathare, Mukuru, and Kibera,” he said.
The remark by the CS came a day after at least nine people died after a matatu they were travelling in plunged into the Mbagathi River on Saturday morning with 17 others sustaining injuries.
Police said that the driver lost control before it plunged into the river.
According to NTSA, 1,553 fatalities occurred as a result of road crashes from January 1 to April 30, 2024.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatalities at 176, followed by Nakuru and Kiambu at 134 and 128 respectively.
Kisumu recorded 59 deaths, Machakos 56, Kilifi, Meru, Murang’a, and Uasin Gishu recorded 50 cases each, and Narok 48 deaths.
Bungoma had 44 fatalities, Kaka mega and Makueni 41 each, Kisii 38, Nyeri 37, Kajiado 34, Kirinyaga 33 and Bomet 31.
Kitui and Migori have 30 recorded deaths each, Taita Taveta and Trans Nzoia 28 each, Kericho 27, Embu and Siaya 24 each, and Tharaka Nithi 22.
Laikipia and Turkana each had 21 fatalities, Vihiga 20, Busia, Mombasa, and Nyandarua 19 each, Baringo and Homa Bay 18, Nyamira 17, Kwale 15, and Nandi 13.
Elgeyo Marakwet had 8 cases, Garissa 7, West Pokot 6, Wajir 5, Tana River 4, Isiolo 3, as Lamu, Mandera, and Samburu had two fatalities each.
The CS added that there is fear that with much of the country’s infrastructure being destroyed by floods, road crashes could worsen, but collectively, it is controllable as the government begins restoration of roads and bridges countrywide.
