(Nairobi) – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has highlighted nine key practices that are driving the high number of road accidents in Kenya, leading to heavy economic losses. According to a recent report by NTSA Board Chair Manoj Shah, these dangerous habits include drunk-walking, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, failure to wear seatbelts, driver fatigue, lane indiscipline, and ignoring road signs. The economic cost of these accidents is staggering, amounting to roughly 5% of Kenya’s GDP annually, equivalent to around Sh310 billion.
Road transport is critical to Kenya’s economy, but it also leads to an alarming loss of approximately 3,000 lives each year due to road accidents. This mirrors a global pattern, where millions of people worldwide are affected by road traffic injuries and fatalities. The report was released on the World Day of Remembrance, which takes place every year on the third Sunday of November to honor the victims of road traffic accidents.
In response to the growing crisis, NTSA has taken steps to reduce accidents through various initiatives. One such measure is the Usalama Barabarani campaign, a nationwide safety program aimed at raising awareness and reducing road accidents. NTSA is also working closely with the National Police Service to conduct regular compliance checks across the country.
To enhance the effectiveness of road safety regulations, NTSA is reviewing existing laws and proposing new ones. The authority is also making strides in technology by automating vehicle inspections and increasing safety audits. This is expected to make road safety checks more efficient and effective.
At the local level, NTSA has empowered County Transport and Safety Committees to address regional road safety concerns. These committees are expected to work closely with local communities to find tailored solutions to reduce road accidents in their areas.
As part of their effort to improve road safety, NTSA is also engaging the public in the process of reviewing and updating road safety laws. The public has been invited to submit their views online until November 30, helping ensure that the new regulations reflect the concerns and needs of the general population.
Looking to the future, NTSA is collaborating with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to integrate road safety education into the school curriculum. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that young people grow up with a strong awareness of road safety, promoting safer driving habits in the next generation.
In conjunction with this, NTSA organized several events for the World Day of Remembrance, where officials led candle lighting ceremonies and tree planting activities in memory of those lost to road accidents. Over 8,000 seedlings were planted as part of these initiatives. The NTSA also used the day to call on the government to prioritize investments in road safety infrastructure and public awareness programs, both of which are seen as crucial steps toward reducing road fatalities.