The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a road safety appeal to Kenyans as the festive season begins, warning that increased travel and activities on major highways significantly heighten the risk of fatal accidents.
In a statement, NTSA Board Chair Khatib Mwashetani noted that the festive period is traditionally marked by heavy traffic as families and friends travel to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, a situation that often leads to a spike in road crashes.
“The festive season should be defined by joyful memories, not by the painful loss of lives or injuries on our roads,” Mwashetani said, urging road users to exercise caution and responsibility.
He expressed concern that dangerous driving behaviours continue to dominate crash statistics, citing speeding, drink driving, reckless overtaking, failure to wear seatbelts, and non-use of helmets by motorcyclists as the leading causes of fatal accidents.
NTSA, in collaboration with agencies under the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) and other stakeholders, has intensified enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns across the country to curb the rising number of crashes.
“Government efforts alone are not enough to address the challenges we are currently facing,” Mwashetani said, emphasising the need for collective responsibility among all road users.
The authority appealed to motorists, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians to make responsible choices during the festive season.
NTSA urged drivers to avoid drinking and driving, obey speed limits, maintain lane discipline, overtake only when it is safe, and avoid distracted driving.
Passengers were advised to board only insured, licensed, and roadworthy public service vehicles and to avoid overloaded vehicles.
Road users were also reminded to wear seatbelts throughout their journeys, combat fatigue by resting adequately, remove stalled vehicles from the carriageway, and practice patience and courtesy on the roads.
The renewed safety call comes against the backdrop of recent tragic incidents. Earlier this week, NTSA announced that 25 people lost their lives in 16 road accidents reported across the country on Tuesday, December 23, alone.
According to the authority, the victims included eight pedestrians, eight passengers, five motorcyclists, three pillion passengers, and one driver.
The crashes were reported in Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu counties.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” NTSA said.
To enhance road safety, the authority has deployed all available resources and intensified enforcement measures.
Over the past four days, multi-agency compliance checks have identified 1,702 traffic violations involving commercial, public service, and private vehicles.
“As the nation celebrates the festive season, we reaffirm that road safety remains our top priority,” NTSA stated.
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