Enforce traffic rules to curb road deaths

The country has been plunged into mourning following the deaths of 16 pilgrims and their driver in a road accident at a black spot on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

The Catholic Church faithful from Mombasa were travelling to the Subukia National Shrine in Nakuru County for the National Prayer Day when their van was involved in a horrific crash in the wee hours of Saturday. Several other people suffered serious injuries.

The Mombasa Catholic Archdiocese has described the fatalities as an “untimely loss”. Ironically, this Salama spot, whose name actually means safe or safety, has this year so far claimed 40 lives.

Calls have been renewed for the redesign of this notorious section of the highway in Makueni County. Fears are mounting that the grim statistics could get worse as travel increases during Christmas and New Year festivities. 

Road safety measures

The National Transport and Safety Authority and the National Police Service have launched safety measures, with traffic police stepping up checks on trucks and public service vehicles (PSVs). They have also warned drivers to maintain lane discipline and avoid overtaking on blind hills/bends. The culprits risk severe digital fines or vehicle impoundment. 

The Kenya National Highways Authority is also under pressure to carry out physical structural road corrections. Leaders and motorists are pushing for a multi-lane dual carriageway to curb head-on collisions. 

Nearly 3,000 people have been killed this year, equalling the average national annual toll. Last year, 4,458 deaths were recorded, up from 4,311 in 2024. Most accidents are caused by human error, including reckless and drink driving, dangerous overtaking and speeding. There is usually a spike during the holidays.

Safety measures include improving signage, eliminating black spots, carrying out motor vehicle inspections and ensuring that PSVs are fitted with speed governors. Traffic rules and regulations must be strictly enforced to curb the road deaths.