20 killed in road crashes this Christmas - NTSA

A traffic police officer from Kisii Central at an accident scene where family members escaped with injuries on Saturday along the Keroka-Kisii road. The road that is managed by the Kenya National Highways Authority has potholes between Kegati and Kisii town, which have been a major cause of accidents. [PHOTO: DENISH OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Twenty people lost their lives in road crashes countrywide during the Christmas season, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Francis Meja has said.

Mr Meja yesterday said 18 people lost their lives on Christmas day while two others died on Boxing Day.

"Despite the heightened campaigns we put in place over the festive season, we lost 20 lives. We will work round the clock to ensure Kenyans do not lose their lives unnecessarily on our roads," he said.

In an effort to curb road accidents, the agency together with the traffic police department have mounted crackdowns across the country to arrest those who violate road safety regulations.

NTSA had issued a cautionary message to road users early this month because the authority noted that it registered a relatively high increase in the number of fatal road crashes.

According to the NTSA, the rise in accidents was mainly attributable to human error and in particular speeding, reckless and dangerous driving, overtaking, drunk-driving, the use of undesignated areas by pedestrians and non-compliance to traffic rules and regulations.

"The authority wishes to remind all drivers to be responsible and be extra careful while observing traffic rules on our roads over this December festive month," read the cautionary message by NTSA in part.

"With many Kenyans embarking on road journeys during the month, we also need to be cautious of other road safety concerns that may lead to driver distraction," added NTSA.

The road safety authority also set stringent conditions for night travel by public service vehicles (PSVs).

Drivers and conductors of PSVs were warned of dire consequences if found working while drunk.

"Being drunk while on duty is a dangerous trend by PSV drivers and conductors tasked with safe transportation of passengers," he said.