Egerton University’s Road Safety Committee under the leadership of Prof. Hadija Murenga recently participated in the 2023 commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The event centred on honouring victims of road traffic incidents globally under the theme "Remember, Support, Act", underscoring the importance of acknowledging the suffering of victims, families, and communities affected by road accidents.
Notable statements from speakers highlighted the significance of personal responsibility, viewing road safety as everyone's duty, and the powerful notion that "disability is a club anyone can join," emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of road accidents.
The overarching message resonating from this event was the collective responsibility we all bear in ensuring road safety. Each of us plays a pivotal role in curbing accidents and preventing fatalities on our roads.
In 2023, road accidents claimed the lives of 2,078 individuals, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers being the most affected groups. The Nakuru-Eldoret Highway specifically accounted for 173 deaths since January 2023, marking it as one of the most perilous roads in Kenya.
Human behaviour, particularly overspeeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and phone-related distractions, was the primary contributor to road accidents, accounting for 80% of incidents.
As part of the event, the Egerton team participated in a tree-planting exercise at Lord Delamere grounds in Naivasha, signifying the commitment of the University to road safety initiatives.