In the past five days, at least 80 people have died on Kenyan roads, sparking fresh concerns among citizens about road safety. The alarming death toll has intensified public debate on the causes of the accidents and the measures needed to curb them.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir addressed the issue on Monday. He revealed that the ministry has rolled out nationwide road safety audits and inspections targeting accident-prone areas. According to Chirchir, the inspections will focus on identifying hazards, reconstructing crash scenes, and proposing technical recommendations. The ministry plans to deliver the findings within seven days.
Chirchir stressed that road accidents are preventable when all road users take responsibility. He urged drivers, pedestrians, and other road users to follow traffic rules and remain vigilant. He argued that shared responsibility is key to reducing road tragedies.
However, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has taken a different stand. The group directly blamed state agencies for the spike in accidents. MAK leaders claim that poor road designs, delayed repairs, and weak enforcement of traffic laws have created dangerous conditions on the roads. They insist that without urgent government intervention, the death toll will keep rising.
The association also pointed to corruption as a major contributor to the crisis. They said corrupt practices in traffic policing allow reckless drivers to escape punishment, putting more lives at risk. They further argued that the failure to act on accident reports and audit findings shows a lack of commitment from authorities.
Kenyans concerns
As the debate continues, Kenyans are demanding swift and practical solutions. Many are calling for stricter law enforcement, better road designs, and increased public awareness campaigns.
The recent wave of deadly crashes serves as a stark reminder that road safety in Kenya requires immediate and coordinated action from both the government and the public. Without it, more lives will be lost on the country’s roads.
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