Wananchi Opinion: How many more lives must we lose on the roads

Thousands of Kenyans die on our roads every year. In 2025 alone, over 5000 Kenyans died in crashes. These numbers are high which calls for robust intervention measures.

Most of these accidents are totally avoidable. Needless to say that many road users are reckless beyond measure. Young people have often borne the brunt; because they can be quite expressive on the road when they get their hands on their first car or motorbike.

As the government looks to improve road network across the country; tarmacking and opening up regions, road users need to be educated and reminded about road safety.

Our education system has taken note of this, and is already doing a good job; infusing road safety study into the curriculum. However, much more needs to be done.

Kenyans still die in crashes. The uncomfortable question is whether Kenya has become too accustomed to road deaths that it no longer raises concern.

Most road crashes are not simply unfortunate events. Many are preventable if road users were to exercise caution and observe traffic laws and regulations.

Sspeeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, overloading, driver fatigue and unsafe pedestrian behaviour are among the common causes of road crashes.

Kenyan crash data has shown that collisions involving loss of vehicle control, pedestrians, head-on collisions and hit-and-run cases significantly contribute to road deaths.

Kenyan need to change their behaviour on the road; do not be impatient when on the road. Avoid road rage and stressful situations that are likely to lead to crashes.

Motorist should avoid the temptation to race on the road with other motorists; trying to outdo one another in what can only lead to death or injuries to themselves and other road users.

Also, speeding, overtaking where visibility is limited, ignoring traffic signs and driving while tired or intoxicated can turn an ordinary journey into a tragedy. This is important especially now that the rains are coming, and the roads are likely to be wet and visibility significantly limited.

Pedestrians too have died on the roads in their thousands. Many have been hit while crossing busy roads at dangerous sections. People should only cross the road at clearly marked points, possibly at a zebra-crossing.

Boda bodas also need serious attention. Many motorcycles do not adhere to rules and regulations. You will find riders on the road without helmets or reflectors. Others ride carelessly leading to crashes.

Thousands of pillion passengers have died or sustained serious injuries. National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has repeatedly highlighted pedestrians and boda boda users as being among the groups suffering high fatalities.

Kenyans need to tackle road accident concerns to save lives. It helps that Kenya has good regulations governing road safety, but enforcement has not been done well.

We don’t need roadblocks, we need a consistent, predictable and technology-supported enforcement to save the situation.

 Kenya's National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028 proposes measures including speed cameras, surveillance cameras at high-risk junctions and instant fines. It also recognises the need to regulate the boda boda sector and address driver fatigue.

All these are good and commendable steps but a lot more needs to be done.