Kipchumba Murkomen: 3999 Kenyans Died In Road Accidents Between January And December 2023

• Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that 3,999 people lost their lives due to road accidents from January 1 to December 7, 2023
• The CS noted that the decrease in the number of fatalities coincided with an increase in the number of those who were tragically injured
• Murkomen also shared that the death toll in the cyclist sector increased due to speeding, dangerous cycling, and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a decrease in the number of road casualties by 8.11%.

Murkomen said the number of traffic fatalities recorded from January 1 to December 7 was 3,999, compared to last year's 4,352.

"Over the last year, our collective effort has reduced road traffic fatalities. From January 1st to December 7th, 2023, we witnessed a commendable 8.11% decrease in lives lost due to road traffic injuries compared with the same period last year—down from 4,352 to 3,999," he remarked.

However, the CS noted with regret that the number of death cases had increased among cyclists due to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling, and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities.

"I am disheartened to report a rise in fatalities among pedal cyclists, attributed to factors such as speeding, dangerous cycling and inadequate non-motorised transport facilities," he added.

Consequentially, the reduction in deaths coincided with a concerning increase in the number of seriously injured individuals, calling upon the government to improve road safety.

Murkomen launches tools to lessen accidents

On December 18, the CS launched two essential tools, the Kenya Highway Code and the Learner Drivers’ Handbook, under the Usalama Barabarani Festive Season Campaign to aid in curbing traffic accidents.

He further urged drivers to carry functional first-aid kits and fire extinguishers and to welcome basic training

"The Highway Code includes rules and guidelines applicable to all road users, be they learners or experienced drivers. I appeal to vehicle operators to carry functional first aid kits and fire extinguishers and to embrace basic first aid training. Let’s support the government’s efforts to restore sanity on our roads, particularly during this festive season," urged Murkomen.

He continued:

"The majority of road traffic incidents can be prevented by adhering to safety rules. About 90% of accidents result from unsafe road user behaviour. I, therefore, implore each citizen to take personal responsibility and minimise the factors that contribute to risky road behaviour."

Murkomen announces crackdown on illegal PSVs

In early December, the CS declared a crackdown on private vehicles operating illegally as Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) in its bid to revive the public transport sector.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) of Kenya, in partnership with the National Police Service, was directed to spearhead the enforcement exercise.

"As part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and bring order and sanity to the public transport subsector, I have this afternoon directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (Ntsa Kenya), in collaboration with the National Police Service, to conduct a nationwide crackdown on illegal Public Transport Vehicles (PSVs) with immediate effect," Murkomen announced.