Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has raised an alarm over the increase in road accidents in the country over the last 12 months.
Speaking on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Kanja noted that fatal accidents increased by six per cent this year, pointing an accusing finger at some motorists.
Kanja noted that the country recorded 3,681 fatal accidents compared to 3,469 recorded between January to November 2023.
Despite the sharp increase in fatal accidents, Kanja observed that officers were reporting carnage incidents even as the festive season nears.
“Road traffic accidents tend to increase during the festive season and already we are seeing an increase in road traffic accidents this year,” Kanja stated.
“Last year from January to November we recorded 3,469 fatal accidents compared with 3,681 fatal accidents recorded this year marking an increase of around 6 per cent,” he added.
Kanja further indicated that in 2024, the country recorded 21,600 victims of road accidents compared to 20,239 victims in 2023. He added that 4,282 victims were fatally injured in the road carnages this year while 182 people lost their lives.
“In 2023, we recorded a total of 20,239 victims of road traffic accidents compared with 21,600 victims this year marking an increase of around 10 per cent. Out of this, 4,090 were fatally injured in 2023 compared 4,282 victims in 2024 indicating an increase of 182 people who have lost their lives as a result of road carnage this year,” Kanja informed the nation.
Kanja’s message to motorists
While breaking down the road accident data, Kanja sounded a warning to motorists ahead of this festive season. He directed them to keenly observe road and traffic rules to reduce the numbers during this December period.
“These are not just statistics but human lives which have been adversely affected as a result of road carnage and in this regard, we are appealing to all motorists to approach the festive season with a changed behaviour, with a common purpose to reduce road carnage,” he pleaded with drivers and other road users.
Nonetheless, he announced that more traffic police officers had been deployed to help control traffic in various parts of the country.
Besides the deployment, the police boss added that a crackdown will be conducted on various highways to nab motorists violating traffic rules during this festive season.
“In our operation plan, we have deployed additional traffic officers on the roads to ensure the free flow of traffic. We are also collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns,” he added.
