Combating Road Traffic Accidents in Kenya: A Challenge for an Emerging Economy

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) and the associated injuries are a major cause of death and disability around the world. Of the 23-34 million people injured in road accidents annually, an average of 1.24 million die. This makes road accidents the ninth ranked cause of death in the world and the ranking is projected to rise. A majority of the deaths occur in developing countries. In Kenya, over 3,000 people die through road accidents every year, most of them in their prime (15-45 years). The cost from these accidents to the economy and families is staggering. The objectives of this study were to (1) analyze the nature and causes of traffic accidents, (2) examine the evolution of government policy regarding public transport, and (3) identify the role of stakeholders in combating the menace of road accidents in Kenya. Based on available statistics, this study tries to develop a correlation between the increasing number of motor vehicles, the state of roads and road mileage, and the approach taken from a policy standpoint to address the menace. The goals of this essay are to explicitly reexamine (1) the policies (and laws) that govern road design and use in the context of RTAs, and (2) the role and meaningful participation by stakeholders in addressing RTAs menace.