Murang'a was ranked the most dangerous county to drive in, according to the latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data.
This is according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 (KDHS) published on Monday, July 3. The report specifically highlighted the road traffic-related fatalities per 100,000 population.
The data shows that Murang'a led with 365, followed by Kisumu (307), West Pokot (264), Elgeyo Marakwet (261) and Vihiga (247).
Nairobi rounded up the top six with 238 fatalities recorded out of a population of 100,000. Other counties that recorded high fatalities included Kiambu (227), Laikipia (212), Homa Bay (208) and Isiolo (201).
Based on the survey conducted in the last twelve months, it was reported that 1,466 individuals per 100,000 population sustained severe injuries. Furthermore, a total of 1,601 individuals per 100,000 population suffered severe injuries and died due to road traffic accidents.
Urban areas recorded the highest number (190) of deaths due to traffic injuries per 100,000 population, as compared to rural areas (107).
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has rolled out a sensitisation campaign to urge road users to adhere to traffic laws.
Themed The Fatal Six, NTSA's sensitisation campaign focuses on key mistakes that motorists and passengers are prone to making on the road including speeding, lane indiscipline, distracted driving, drunk driving, failure to wear a helmet as well as failure to use available pedestrian walks.
"Road users who engage in one of these behaviours are far more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who don't," NTSA stated.
The latest data from the Authority noted that 2,124 fatalities were recorded between January 2023, to June 25, 2023. This was a decrease compared to the 2,261 recorded during the same time the previous year.
"Pedestrians were victims of road accidents with 729 recorded fatalities in 2023 followed by motorcyclists at 561, passengers (403), pillion passengers (196), drivers (189) and pedal cyclists (46) have died since the year started,” stated the report.
NTSA highlighted that they had increased signage across the major roads and lauded the government for the continuous improvement of roads by fixing potholes.
