Kenya raises concern about increased road accidents in 2021

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - A Kenyan government spokesperson raised the alarm Tuesday about road accidents that claimed more lives in the first 11 months of 2021 the whole of 2020.

Statistics show 4,023 deaths were recorded since the start of 2021 compared to 3,340 registered throughout 2020.

Cyrus Oguna said most deaths recorded in 2021 were caused by motorcyclists, blaming fatalities on riders being inexperienced and not legally trained.

“In the past, road fatalities have been attributed to poor road infrastructure. However, we note with concern that even after the government’s heavy investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure, more lives are getting lost on our roads,” he told reporters at a news conference in Nakuru.

“All kinds of accidents are increasing according to our records. The police and traffic officers cannot reduce the deaths and accidents on our roads, and it is upon us as drivers and passengers to speak out when these drivers over speed,” he added.

The National Transport and Safety Authority has in the past warned that most who are involved in accidents are not licensed.

The government urged Kenyans to exercise vigilance on the roads as the Christmas season approaches.