Safety panels cut pedestrian accidents 39.8pc in Nairobi

The number of pedestrian fatalities in Nairobi last year stood at 299, representing a 39.8 per cent year-on-year decrease with transport regulators attributing the drop to the installation of safety panels on key roads.

This decline meets the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) target of a 30 per cent drop it set at the beginning of last year.

In 2015, Nairobi recorded 668 road deaths with a majority of them (497) being pedestrians. The authority recorded an 18.6 per cent decline in pedestrian fatalities countrywide last year from 1,344 in 2015 to 1,097.

Mid last year, the NTSA began installing a series of safety panels on major roads around the city, forcing jaywalkers to use areas designated for road crossing including footbridges built along the busy roads, hence the fall in fatalities.

“Pedestrian deaths have always accounted for the most road fatalities in Nairobi,” said Samuel Musumba, NTSA manager for safety strategies and county coordinator.

“But we have seen a big change, especially after we installed safety panels as the number has gone down by 39.8 per cent.”

The NTSA has already erected barriers on Airport North road and Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way in Nairobi although the authority aims to cover more high-risk spots along these roads.

The regulator is also targeting Jogoo Road and Landhies Road which are among key roads that are termed most dangerous in the city.

The barriers are designed to stop pedestrians from crossing from any point of the road and encourage the use of foot bridges.

The road safety project is being implemented in partnership with businesses in a deal that encourages companies to build the barriers in exchange of free advertising over a period of time.

Each panel measures 2.8 metres long and will be fabricated and set up at an estimated cost of Sh56,771.

The panels will be 1.8 metres high, making it difficult for people to climb over them. The announcement on the reduced pedestrian fatalities came amid reports that the number of total road accident victims in Kenya had gone down by three per cent last year to 2,965, from 3,057 recorded in 2015.

Last year, 350 drivers, 729 passengers, 718 motorcyclists and 71 pedal cyclists also lost their lives.

The NTSA now says motorcycles have this year already claimed the lives of more than 100 people. Deaths through this form of transportation increased 12 per cent to 718 last year from 637 in 2015 due what the regulator termed as proliferation of motorcycles and recklessness by riders.

“This is a worrying picture and it is time we said enough is enough,” said Mr Musumba.

“As the NTSA, we will continue to crackdown on riders who flout the law but to keep the numbers from going up it is important for the riders to observe the law to safeguard their lives and those pillion passengers.”

Motorcycles, commonly referred to as boda boda, are popular among urban and rural dwellers in Kenya due to their convenience — they are able to weave through traffic easily — as well as access rough terrains.

Accidents involving motorcycles across the country have seen players in the market come up with unique packages to ensure that the operators, who are mostly from poor background, are insured in case of injuries or death as well as benefit from road safety training and gear.

Ryce East Africa, a motorcycle dealer, last week unveiled a personal accident cover of up to Sh400,000 in collaboration with India-based motorcycles manufacturer Hero Moto Corp and CIC insurance.

The cover which is attached to every sale of a Hero motorcycle will take care of losses incurred in the event of death or injuries.

“Boda bodas are increasingly becoming the most preferred mode of transport in both urban and rural areas.

“This new insurance product is designed to protect riders from financial losses arising from accidents,” said V N Srinivas, Ryce East Africa chief executive.

The Hero brand of motorcycle entered Kenya more three years ago. Its competitors in the market include Honda and Bajaj. Other insurance companies that now offer motorcycle insurance packages locally include AIG Kenya and Heritage Insurance.

According to Mr Musumba, 80 per cent of accidents happening on Kenyan roads are due to human error and the number could go down if the law is enforced to the letter.

Last year, the regulator started using county transport and safety committees to ensure the set regulations are met by road users.

The authority has already reached out to 14 counties including Machakos, Kajiado, Nakuru, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Laikipia, Kiambu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Laikipia, Baringo and Kisii. It plans to cover the remaining devolved units by July.

Motorcycle regulations, for instance, restrict luggage dimensions to 15 centimetres width beyond the handle bars, a height of two metres from the ground, no rear projection beyond 60 centimetres and no load dragging on the road.
Operators have, however, been carrying children sitting in front of the rider besides ferrying all manner of loads including live animals.