Over 2,000 people have died in accidents this year Traffic boss

Traffic Police Commandant Samuel Kimaru says more than 2,000 people have died in road crashes since the beginning of this year.

According to Mr. Kimaru, this year’s traffic report indicated that 900 pedestrians, 240 drivers, 530 passengers, 435 boda boda riders, 42 bicycle riders and 140 boda boda passengers lost their lives in 2018.

The traffic boss said this year’s accident figures were way up by 10 percent compared to last year’s statistics.

Mr. Kimaru, who was speaking at Narok Hotel during a motorist sensitization exercise, issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians ahead of the December holiday rains which are expected across the country.

He said motorists and pedestrians must be extra careful during the rainy  season saying careless road deaths will increase unless road rules are enforced.

Mr. Kimaru regretted that an average of two people lose their lives everyday further calling on boda boda riders to observe traffic rules to avoid unnecessary arrests.

The commandant called on the office of the DPP to push for quick conclusion of cases so as put into effect rules that will go a long way in saving lives.

He also warned personal car owners from engaging in illegal commercialization, overloading and speeding which he said had immensely contributed to accidents in the country.

Narok Boda Boda Association Chairman thanked organizers for the training which he said will go a long way in ensuring road safety and fighting crime associated with motorist business.

Among those who attended the event were transport officials, car owners, boda boda riders and traffic police officers who promised to continue with enforcement of new traffic regulations.

Narok County is among leading counties in Kenya with highest cases of boda boda accidents related to reckless riding.