The Ministry of Interior has embarked on the development of a national traffic accident database as part of efforts to enhance road safety in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 20, the ministry said the initiative, undertaken in partnership with the State Department for Roads, the State Department for Transport, and the Ministry of ICT, seeks to enhance traffic investigation and enforcement procedures.
"In collaboration with the State Departments for Roads, Transport and ICT, we are developing a national traffic accident database and reviewing our traffic investigation and enforcement procedures," the statement read.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the project is guided by the Safe-System Approach to Road Traffic Safety, a framework designed to minimize fatalities and serious injuries by integrating data-driven strategies in road safety interventions.
The system will introduce big data and digital intelligence into road safety management, improving accident reporting, analysis, and prevention measures.
Read More
The project will be spearheaded by the National Police Service (NPS) and supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
"This is through the Safe-System Approach to Road Traffic Safety that is spearheaded by the Kenya Police Service, that introduces big data and digital intelligence to our road safety management, in a project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency," the statement added.
This comes barely two weeks after Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir issued an appeal to all road users following the tragic deaths of over 80 people in road accidents in a span of four days.
In a statement on Monday, August 11, Chirchir emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility and adherence to road safety rules.
"I urge all transport stakeholders, operators, and road users including drivers, pedestrians, boda boda and cyclists to prioritize their safety and strictly adhere to road safety guidelines.
"Full compliance with stipulated speed limits, vehicle maintenance standards, proper licensing, and traffic regulations is not optional but a collective responsibility that safeguards lives," the statement read.
Chirchir highlighted the importance of cooperation among all road users, noting that such unity could prevent many accidents.
"This wholistic and collaborative approach will go a long way in reducing fatalities and injuries on our roads. We note that road traffic accidents are not only predictable but also preventable if all road users played their part," he added.
Chirchir further noted that his ministry will continue working with relevant stakeholders to implement safety measures outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028.
"As a Ministry, we will continue working with all stakeholders to implement both long and medium-term measures provided in Kenya's National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 within the available resources.
"NTSA on its part will continue to scale up coordination of road safety initiatives including public education and awareness to support behaviour and attitude change," he further said.
