A tragic road accident in Kericho County has claimed the life of one man and left several passengers feared dead.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 PM on Tuesday, when a Mercedes-Benz traveling from Kipsitet in the General direction lost control at Kisumu Ndogo.
According to initial reports, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz veered off the road, crossing into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a Toyota matatu. The matatu, which was being driven by a local man, was severely impacted, resulting in the driver’s death at the scene.
Authorities from the Kipsitet Traffic Base are currently on-site, working to remove the matatu from the wreckage to determine if there are any additional bodies trapped inside. The exact number of fatalities and injuries is yet to be confirmed as rescue operations continue.
This accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Kericho County, where traffic incidents have been on the rise. The local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on the roads.
The rising trend in road accidents across Kenya has sparked national concern, with recent figures highlighting a troubling increase in fatalities and injuries on the country’s roads. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), there has been a 12% increase in road accident fatalities in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
The NTSA report reveals that as of August 2024, over 3,400 people have lost their lives in road accidents, with thousands more suffering serious injuries. This spike in accidents is attributed to several factors, including reckless driving, speeding, and non-compliance with traffic laws. Notably, motorcycle-related accidents have seen a significant rise, accounting for nearly 40% of the total fatalities.
In response to these alarming statistics, the Kenyan government has intensified its road safety campaigns, urging drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices. The NTSA has also announced plans to implement stricter penalties for traffic offenders and increase the number of traffic police on major highways.
Transport experts and safety advocates are calling for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue, including improving road infrastructure, enhancing driver education, and promoting the use of road safety technologies.
As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, the public is being urged to remain vigilant on the roads and prioritize safety to prevent further loss of life.
“It’s time for all road users to take responsibility and ensure our roads are safe for everyone,” said a spokesperson for the NTSA. “Together, we can reduce these numbers and save lives.”
The rising trend in road accidents serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to combat this growing crisis in Kenya.
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