Health ministry calls for road safety on World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims

The Ministry of Health wants all road users to choose safety and honouring lives lost to crashes.

In a statement, during the World Day for Remembrance of Road traffic victims, the ministry said road users must prioritise safety.

“We honour those we have lost, stand with affected families, and call on every road user to choose safety--slow down, stay sober, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts, and protect pedestrians and riders. Every action saves a life,” said the statement.

Globally, the day is observed on the third Sunday of November each year.

First recognised by the United Nations in 2005, it is meant to remember those killed or injured in road traffic crashes and renew public commitment to prevent future tragedies.

Road deaths remain alarmingly high in Kenya. According to NTSA data, some 4,324 people died in road traffic accidents in 2023, a slight decline from 4,432 the previous year.

The 2024 crash toll increased again, with reports indicating that 4,748 fatalities were recorded.

Between January and April 2024, a total 1,214 people lost their lives in road accidents, according to NTSA’s safety audit — a worrying rise from the same period in the previous year.

More recent data shows nearly 1,189 deaths between January and April 2024, and pedestrian fatalities remain the largest share.

NTSA also estimates that on average 12 Kenyans die daily in road accidents, based on data from June 2024 to March 2025, when the agency recorded 3,581 fatalities.

Vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians, account for a significant portion of these deaths.