As millions of Kenyans prepare to make the annual pilgrimage upcountry for Christmas, the familiar and tragic specter of road carnage has once again cast a shadow over the festive season.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating accident rates, a recurring December nightmare that continues to claim lives despite annual safety campaigns and police crackdowns.

The Cost of the Rush

Speaking in Nairobi as the holiday travel window officially opens, Wetang’ula emphasized that the joy of the season should not be eclipsed by grief. His intervention comes as preliminary reports indicate a surge in incidents on major arteries, particularly the Nairobi-Nakuru and Thika Superhighways.

The Speaker noted that the rush to beat deadlines and maximize trips often leads to a breakdown in discipline. He urged motorists to prioritize life over speed, specifically calling out the culture of recklessness that defines December travel.

• Driver Fatigue: Long-distance drivers attempting back-to-back trips without rest remain a primary hazard.
• Unroadworthy Vehicles: PSVs rushing to cash in on the high season often bypass critical maintenance checks.
• Speeding: The pressure to reduce turnaround times leads to dangerous overtaking on single-carriage highways.

Policy Meets Personal Responsibility

While the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has ramped up enforcement, Wetang’ula stressed that regulation alone cannot fix the rot on Kenyan roads. He called for a collective shift in attitude, reminding passengers that they, too, have a voice and should refuse to be driven in vehicles that flout traffic laws.

"We cannot continue to lose our productive workforce and young children to avoidable mistakes," the Speaker urged, highlighting the economic and social devastation left in the wake of these crashes. Every life lost is a breadwinner removed or a future extinguished.

As the festive season hits its peak, the message from the National Assembly is clear: arriving late is infinitely better than not arriving at all. The responsibility for a bloodless Christmas lies firmly behind the wheel.