The National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) has appealed to Kenyans to make their travel arrangements in advance to avoid the rush witnessed during the festive season that leads to increased road accidents.
Addressing Journalists in Nairobi, NTSA Programmes Director Samuel Musumba said that at least 3,500 Kenyans have lost their lives in road carnage since the beginning of the year and called on motorists to be responsible while using the roads.
The Director discouraged motorists from night travel especially during the festive season unless it's absolutely necessary and urged them to ensure their vehicles are in good condition while passengers should always fasten safety belts.
"So far we have lost at least 3, 500 Kenyans with thousands of others injured in road accidents on our roads across the country, we are calling on those driving vehicles and pedestrians on our roads to observe traffic rules so that we do not lose any Kenyans as we enter the festive season," said Musumba.
He said that the World Day for the Remembrance of Traffic Accident victims will be held in Naivasha Town, Nakuru county, on November 19 and will be marked in all counties and called on Kenyans to come out and assist those who sustained life changing injuries.
Musumba noted that the festive season rush leads to careless and dangerous driving.
"Kenyans need to learn from some of the developed countries that have the highest number of vehicles on their roads but with very minimal road accidents reported since everyone observes traffic rules and cares about the well-being of other road users," he.
He said that NTSA had already launched National Road Safety Action Plan (2023- 2027) that seeks to cut the current level of trauma caused by road accidents and set the country on the path of a 50 per cent reduction in road fatalities by 2030.
Musumba explained that the Action plan aims to enhance road safety to reduce incidences of road crashes and their impact on the Kenyan economy.