The recent surge in road accidents in Kenya has left a trail of devastation, claiming countless lives and tearing families apart.

According to the National Transport Association (NTSA), at least 3,609 people lost their lives in road accidents between the month of January and October 2023.

This year in the month of January alone, NTSA reported 120 people who lost their lives in road accident. According to the report, out of the 120, 84 people died between January 1^st and January 7^th.

The figures reflect a worrying trend and the real pain experienced by the families who have lost their loved ones in road accidents.

READ ALSO:EDITORIAL: Urgent call for stricter road safety measures to curb rising fatalities

The grim statistics paint a harrowing picture of the toll road accidents exact on our society.

The blame for these tragedies often falls on the insidious influence of corruption within our transportation system.

From issuing fraudulent licenses to turning a blind eye to unroadworthy vehicles, corrupt officials are complicit in perpetuating a culture of impunity on our roads.

They prioritize lining their pockets over ensuring the safety of commuters, betraying the trust placed in them by the public, resulting to preventable tragedies that leave families grieving and communities reeling.

ALSO READ: 11 people die in accident on Kisumu – Nairobi highway

However, corruption is not the sole culprit. Negligence on the part of drivers also plays a significant role in the escalating death toll on our roads.

Reckless speeding, careless overtaking, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are all too common, fueled by a sense of entitlement and a lack of fear of consequences.

The absence of effective enforcement mechanisms only emboldens these dangerous behaviors, perpetuating a cycle of death and despair.

READ ALSO: List of accidents on the notorious Nakuru-Eldoret highway in the past few weeks

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. It is disheartening to learn that despite contractual agreements slow action is being taken.

However, the responsibility for curbing road accidents extends beyond individual behavior to encompass systemic issues that require government intervention.

As a Kenyan I implore the government, led by the Ministry of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, to take immediate and decisive action to address this matter.

Merely promising investigations into accidents is no longer sufficient. Concrete measures must be implemented to address the root causes of road carnage.

READ ALSO: Mourners heading to burial of MP Jessica Mbalu’s son involved in an accident

The government with the help of the public must tackle corruption head-on and demand accountability from those entrusted with ensuring road safety.

This requires robust anti-corruption measures, including thorough investigations and prosecution of corrupt officials, as well as stringent penalties for those found guilty of endangering the lives of others for personal gain.

Furthermore, we must prioritize investment in road infrastructure and safety initiatives to mitigate the risks associated with road travel.

The Ministry of Transport has a mandate of improving road signage and lighting, upgrading critical infrastructure such as bridges and intersections.

READ ALSO: Police arrest 20 boda boda riders for stoning woman’s car after multiple accidents in Kitengela

Additionally, public awareness campaigns on road safety and responsible driving should also be intensified to educate motorists and pedestrians alike on the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution on the roads.

The scourge of road accidents in Kenya is a symptom of deeper systemic issues that demand urgent attention and decisive action.

By combating corruption, promoting responsible driving behavior, and investing in road safety infrastructure, we can create a transportation system that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over personal gain.

It’s time to reclaim our roads from the grip of corruption and negligence and ensure that every journey is a safe one.

READ ALSO: 8-year-old girl loses life in an accident while escorting her sister to school