Kenya: Road accident kills 51 October 10

Event

On Wednesday, October 10, police reported that at least 51 people had been killed in a road accident that occurred between the capital Nairobi and the town of Kakamega (Western region). While the cause of the accident remains unclear, the incident serves as a reminder that road travel across the country can be dangerous. Rates of traffic accidents and deaths are high due to poorly maintained vehicles, low driving standards, and poor road and emergency infrastructure.

Context

According to official national statistics, around 3000 people die annually in road accidents in Kenya; however, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) the figure could be as high as 12,000.

Advice

Individuals visiting Kenya are advised to be highly cautious when traveling by road; avoid travel at night and only travel in well-maintained vehicles with seatbelts. Road travel should be conducted by a chauffeured car or by a licensed taxi booked via the hotel. Whenever possible, it is safest to travel by air when undertaking long-distance trips within the country.