Eldoret: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a call to action for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and users of micromobility devices such as scooters and skateboards, urging vigilance and adherence to traffic rules. The appeal comes as the Christmas festive season approaches, a time when the risk of road accidents traditionally increases.
According to Kenya News Agency, NTSA officials and various stakeholders, including the National Police Service, delivered this message in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims 2025. The event, themed “Remember Support Act,” saw participation from driving schools, motorists, healthcare providers, and others. NTSA Director of Road Safety, Dr. Andrew Kiplagat, expressed concerns about the growing number of road traffic accidents, emphasizing the need for caution to reduce fatalities and injuries.
Dr. Kiplagat highlighted that over 4,100 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents, with Uasin Gishu County accounting for about 3 percent of these deaths. He pointed out that pedestrians represent the majority of fatalities, followed by motorcyclists and their passengers, who together contribute to over 70 percent of the deaths.
He stressed the importance of individual responsibility in ensuring road safety, noting that while agencies like NTSA will continue efforts in sensitization and enforcement, citizens must mitigate risky behaviors such as driving under the influence and speeding. He called for adherence to safety measures, including the use of helmets and compliance with passenger limits on motorcycles.
Paul Posh, a Member of the Road Safety Board at NTSA, noted that the rise in road traffic accidents correlates with the increasing number of vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, particularly in urban areas where congestion is higher.
Christine Tonui, Director of Health Administration and Chair of the Road Safety Mainstreaming Committee at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), emphasized that road accidents are preventable if all individuals are attentive to traffic rules. Dr. Darwin Ambuka, a consultant orthopedic surgeon at MTRH, added that there is a noticeable rise in medical cases related to road accidents, particularly at the start of the month when people receive their salaries, illustrating a pattern of increased risk during certain times.