The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has recently revealed that 2,150 people have lost their lives in road accidents across the country since the beginning of the year, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
According to NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa, pedestrians remain the most affected group, accounting for 836 of the fatalities recorded so far.
Motorcyclists were the second most affected category, while 188 drivers also lost their lives in various road crashes.
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa. Photo: Courtesy.
The authority expressed concern over the rising number of road fatalities, warning that the trend could have far-reaching economic consequences if urgent interventions are not implemented.
NTSA projections indicate that continued growth in road accidents could cost the country up to 10 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030 through loss of lives, injuries, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
In response to the alarming statistics, the authority announced plans to introduce mandatory refresher training for drivers beginning in July.
The programme is intended to improve road safety standards by equipping drivers with updated skills, knowledge, and best practices required for today’s road environment.
NTSA noted that many drivers complete driving school once and rarely undergo additional training despite changes in traffic regulations, road conditions, and vehicle technologies.
The refresher courses will be modelled on continuous professional development programmes common in other professions, ensuring drivers regularly update their competence and understanding of road safety requirements.
The authority believes the initiative will help reduce accidents, improve compliance with traffic laws, and ultimately save lives as the government intensifies efforts to reverse the growing number of fatalities on Kenyan roads.
