Preventing 100,000 Deaths and Serious Injuries in Kenya

A $US100 million plan that could cut road crash deaths and serious injuries by 25% has been prepared by iRAP Kenya.

The plan shows that by constructing 1,500km of sealed shoulders on inter-urban roads, 26,000 deaths and serious injuries could be prevented over 20 years. The plan also recommends the installation of some 130 pedestrian crossings in Nairobi, which could prevent more than 10,000 deaths and serious injuries over the same period.

Overall, for each $1 invested in the plan there would be a saving of $24 in terms of crash costs avoided.

The Kenya Roads Board will champion implementation of the plan and is in discussions with the World Bank about investment options. iRAP will support the implementation process with ongoing workshops and advice, including through the online Road Safety Toolkit.

iRAP Kenya is part of the Government's renewed efforts to make roads safe, particularly for pedestrians who currently account for some 40% of road deaths. The project was supported by the World Bank Global Road Safety Facility.

August 2009.