By Antynet Ford
Some 3,369 people died from January to September 16, 2024, following road accidents in the country.
A total of 3,369 people have died from road accidents between January and September.
This is according to statistics by the National Police Service indicating a rise by 218 people compared to the same period last year.
The statistics reveal the highest number of victims were pedestrians totaling to 1,281; followed by motorcycle operators at 802 while passengers were 654 with pedal cyclists being 56 and 284 drivers.
292 pillion passengers died in the period under review as compared to 288 in 2023.
A total of 16,979 individuals were affected by road traffic incidents during these first nine months after they were injured.
The latest accident was in Kwale at the weekend where five pillion passengers died in a crash at one site.
In 2023, 1,119 pedestrians were killed while 281 drivers died in separate accidents.
The figures also indicate that 572 passengers died in 2023 in the period under review while 825 motorcyclists died at the same time.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli yesterday while meeting top traffic commanders across the country expressed alarm over the upward trend in road traffic accidents.
Masengeli stressed the need for the public and other road users to adhere to traffic regulations to mitigate further loss of life.
“We have observed a distressing increase in road traffic accidents nationwide. To address this urgent issue, we have convened a consultative meeting with all Regional Traffic Enforcement Officers.” He said.
According to the acting IG, corruption is one of the biggest contributors to the menace.
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“We have many families suffering because of the accidents. We have to be serious to address this issue.” The police boss said.
HeMasengeli said thousands of injured people are nursing wounds in hospitals and homes and need critical care which is expensive to get.
The meeting was aimed at addressing road safety concerns and to tackle corruption within the Traffic Unit.
He called on the public to prioritize road safety and comply rigorously with traffic laws to help curb the rising number of fatalities.