Statistics by the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) show that road deaths nationwide have increased by 7.1% since January 2014.
1,695 people have died since January compared to 1,538 last year. 736 were pedestrians, 185 drivers, 385 passengers, 238 motorcyclists and 33 pedal cyclists. Another 4,772 pedestrians were injured by the accidents.
The statistics continue to show that Nairobi County has had the highest deaths with 271 since January 2015.
Due to the increase, NTSA is forming an inter-agency committee to investigate and reduce accidents.
Institutions to be involved include, NTSA, Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), Police and National Road Safety Trust. The major roads affected in Nairobi include Mombasa road, Jogoo road, Waiyaki way, Thika Super Highway, North Airport and Eastern Bypass.
The biggest cause of most of the accidents are overspeeding and pedestrians crossing at non-designated locations. The committee hopes to discuss proposed locations of footbridges and policies that will enhance road safety for motorists and the general public.
