A majority of fatal road accidents in Kenya occur during the weekend, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said.
In a statement to newsrooms on Thursday, the authority also revealed that most of these accidents happen between 5 pm and 10 pm, with the peak being at 8 pm.
NTSA attributed these crashes to reduced police enforcement during these said times, high volumes of traffic and pedestrians/rush hour, as well as pedestrians crossing at non-designated or un-safe areas.
The authority also cited poor lighting at the pedestrian crossing points and major highways, driver fatigue, drink-driving, and high speeds on major highways.
NTSA said almost 4, 000 people died in road accidents in the month of October 2022, an increase of 191 victims from last year’s October fatalities (3, 733).
Majority of road users who lost their lives were pedestrians and motorcyclists.
“In October 2022, pedestrians (1413), motorcyclists (1,046), passengers (693), pillion passengers (363), drivers (356) and pedal cyclists (53) died,” the NTSA report states.
According to the report, some 17, 550 people were involved in road accidents across the country in October alone.
Of this, (7,982) sustained serious injuries while (5, 644) had slight injuries.
This is an increase from last year’s same period when only 16, 642 people were involved in a road crash.
NTSA released the report ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which is marked every third Sunday of November each year.
NTSA said the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims advocates and calls for more efforts towards ensuring road users involved in any road crashes receive justice.
“The theme also puts a spotlight on traffic law enforcement, thorough investigation after a crash to find out if a crime was committed and to prevent recurrence, criminal prosecution where appropriate and civil compensation,” the authority said.
