First Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for increased road safety awareness following a tragic accident at the Iguhu Bridge along the Kisumu-Kakamega Expressway that killed 13 people.

Mudavadi said in a statement that the Iguhu accident has put the spotlight on the increasing number of road deaths in Kenya as the country prepares for Christmas festivities.

In light of the accident, Musalia ordered law enforcement agencies to maintain their crackdown on rogue road users as a measure to improve safety.

“I hereby instruct all traffic police officers to ensure that all PSVs are roadworthy and driven safely. They must ensure that all PSVs on the road have the registered name of the Sacco/Company/Institution, have inspection status and operate from licensed routes,” the statement read in part.

“Also important, every PSV must have a valid Road Services Licence.”

The government’s renewed focus on road safety comes as road traffic deaths and injuries soar in 2024.

Data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) show that between January and November this year, 4,047 people lost their lives in road accidents, an increase of over 8% compared to the 3,726 deaths recorded in the same period of the year last.

In addition, the number of accidents increased sharply, with 20,369 incidents reported in 2024, up from 19,262 in 2023.

Among the most alarming statistics is the increase in the number of serious injuries, with 10,124 people suffering significant injuries in accidents, compared to 9,059 last year.

Motorcyclists, passengers and pedestrians were particularly vulnerable, with many of the deaths preventable.