Be careful, AG Muturi urges road users as road accident fatalities increase

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

The first quarter of 2024 has seen an increase in the number of deaths caused by road accidents in the country compared to the same period in 2023.

According to a report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), as of April 1, at least 1,189 people lost their lives due to accidents across the country, an increase of 60 deaths recorded in the same period last year.

In response to the alarming numbers, Attorney General Justin Muturi has issued a stern call to action, urging Kenyan citizens to exercise utmost caution while navigating the roads.

Speaking in Embu County, Muturi emphasised the need for heightened vigilance among all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Further, the Attorney General underscored the importance of adhering to traffic regulations, maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, and avoiding reckless behavior that endangers lives.

“We are losing far too many lives. Kindly let us not speed when using our roads. The goal is to get to where we are going safe and sound,” said Muturi.

His remarks come days after Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen  termed the rising cases of fatal road accidents a "national catastrophe" that needs concerted efforts to address.

According to the CS Many of these accidents are attributed to reckless driving and lack of respect for pedestrians by drivers of both public and private vehicles.

To prevent more from happening, Murkomen said the Ministry will gazette new guidelines on transport as well as working closely with traffic officers and NTSA to ensure road safety.

Furthermore, if approved by Parliament, the Ministry will re-introduce alco-blow to help weed out intoxicated drivers.

Other plans to be adopted by the Ministry of Transport include the installation of speed cameras and instant fines for all traffic violations.