Kisumu County joined the global community in commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims (WDoR), an annual event held every third Sunday in November to honor the millions of lives lost or permanently changed due to road crashes. The event, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, brought together road crash survivors, government officials, and stakeholders under the theme “That Day”—a poignant reminder of the day a traffic collision irreversibly altered a life and its emotional toll on victims’ families and communities.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, the chief guest, described the grim statistics behind road crashes as more than just numbers, emphasizing the personal tragedies they represent.
“Each figure represents a mother, father, child, or friend whose life was taken too soon. Today, we remember those who lost their lives or are left nursing permanent injuries and call for collective action to prevent further tragedies,” he said.
Leparmorijo urged all road users—including drivers, motorists, and pedestrians—to adopt safer practices to reduce the carnage.
Salmon Orimba, Kisumu County’s CECM for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, echoed the call to action. He highlighted efforts by the county government to redesign accident-prone areas, such as roundabouts, as part of ongoing measures to improve road safety. Orimba also emphasized the need for road users to become advocates for safety while supporting those burdened by the aftermath of road crashes.
Nyanza Regional NTSA Manager Isaac Silali presented a sobering overview of road traffic statistics. Globally, 1.3 million people lose their lives to road crashes annually, while Kenya records over 3,000 fatalities each year. Silali pointed out that the economic toll of road crashes in Kenya is estimated at 5% of GDP—amounting to Ksh 310 billion annually. He also stressed that vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists, constitute the majority of victims.
“Most of these incidents stem from behavior-related factors, such as speeding, reckless driving, lane indiscipline, driving under the influence, and failing to follow road signs,” Silali noted.
He called for vigilance during the festive season, urging all stakeholders to uphold road safety as a shared responsibility.
The event culminated with stakeholders reiterating the importance of adhering to traffic rules, supporting crash survivors and bereaved families, and committing to a culture of safety. As Kisumu County and the nation reflect on the lives lost to road crashes, the day served as a solemn reminder of the urgent need for collective action to prevent further tragedy.
