Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kitui, Joseph Mwongela, has called on Kenyans to exercise greater caution on the roads as the country enters the festive season, a period long associated with increased travel and a spike in fatal accidents.
Speaking during a church function on 9 December, the Bishop voiced concern over the growing number of crashes reported nationwide, warning that the end-of-year rush often fuels reckless behaviour among motorists and passengers. He urged all road users to act responsibly and prioritise safety.
“Christmas season is here, and we urge all members of the public to be careful while on the roads,” he said. “Lives are precious, and we all have a responsibility to protect them.”
He noted that the holiday period typically sees a surge in travel as families move between cities and rural homes, creating pressure on public service vehicle operators who may be tempted to overload vehicles, extend shifts or speed to maximise earnings. These practices, he said, significantly increase the likelihood of crashes.
The Bishop cautioned against speeding, careless overtaking and driving under the influence, citing these as persistent contributors to Kenya’s high road fatality rates. He urged motorists to follow traffic laws and called on traffic officers to enforce them firmly.
His appeal comes as new data from the National Transport and Safety Authority shows a rise in road deaths in 2025, with pedestrians representing a large share of victims. NTSA attributes the trend to unsafe crossing habits, poorly lit roads, speeding and driver negligence.
The agency has launched nationwide sensitisation campaigns, stressing that meaningful progress depends on personal responsibility from all road users.
Bishop Mwongela finally encouraged parents to guide children on safe road behaviour and urged pedestrians to remain visible at night and use designated crossings.
Authorities have echoed similar warnings, reminding Kenyans that preventing road accidents is a shared duty, and that adherence to traffic rules can mean the difference between life and death during the festive season.
By Josphine Kasimu
