The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has called on Kenyans to participate in a memorial procession and inter-denominational prayer service scheduled for November 15, 2026, at Jaramogi Sports Ground in Kisumu County. The event will honour people who have lost their lives in road traffic accidents while recognising the suffering experienced by families, survivors and communities affected by road crashes.

The memorial gathering will form part of activities marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, an international observance dedicated to remembering those who have died or suffered injuries on roads. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of road safety and renew collective efforts to prevent avoidable accidents.

Through the planned event, NTSA is encouraging members of the public, religious leaders, transport operators, road safety stakeholders and other interested groups to come together in solidarity with families affected by road tragedies.

Road traffic accidents remain a major concern in Kenya, with their consequences extending beyond the immediate victims to families, friends and entire communities. The loss of a loved one through a road crash can leave families facing emotional distress, financial difficulties and significant changes to their daily lives.

For many households, road accidents result in the sudden loss of breadwinners, parents, children and other family members whose contributions cannot easily be replaced. Survivors may also experience long-term physical injuries, psychological trauma and financial challenges arising from medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims provides an important platform for recognising these experiences and ensuring that victims and affected families are not forgotten.

The planned memorial procession and prayer service in Kisumu will offer participants an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives while standing with families and individuals who continue to deal with the consequences of road crashes.

The inter-denominational nature of the service is also expected to bring together people from different religious backgrounds in a shared moment of reflection, prayer and remembrance.

Religious institutions often play an important role in supporting families during difficult moments, offering spiritual guidance, counselling and community support. Bringing different denominations together for the memorial service will provide an opportunity to demonstrate unity in remembering victims and promoting safer roads.

Beyond remembering those who have died, the occasion is expected to draw attention to the importance of preventing road accidents through responsible behaviour among all road users.

Road safety is a shared responsibility involving motorists, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and transport operators. Every person using public roads has a role to play in reducing risks and protecting lives.

Motorists are encouraged to observe traffic regulations, maintain appropriate speeds, avoid dangerous overtaking and ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition before beginning journeys.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, using mobile phones while driving and ignoring traffic signs are among the dangerous behaviours that can expose road users to serious accidents.

Motorcyclists and cyclists also need to observe safety requirements, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and following traffic rules. Passengers equally have a responsibility to avoid encouraging dangerous driving practices and to report unsafe conditions where necessary.

Pedestrians remain among the vulnerable groups on Kenyan roads, particularly in areas with limited pedestrian facilities. Safe crossing points, proper road signage, footbridges and designated walking paths are important in protecting people who travel on foot.

The importance of road safety awareness cannot be overstated, especially as traffic volumes continue to increase in towns, highways and other transport corridors.

The memorial event in Kisumu will therefore provide an opportunity for stakeholders to encourage a culture of responsible road use and remind the public that road accidents can have devastating consequences.

NTSA has a key role in promoting road safety through public education, vehicle inspection, regulation of the transport sector and enforcement of traffic requirements. Working with other government agencies and stakeholders, the authority contributes to efforts aimed at improving safety across the country's road network.

However, achieving safer roads requires cooperation from the public and consistent commitment from institutions responsible for transport infrastructure, law enforcement and road management.

Transport operators also have an important responsibility to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained and that drivers observe established safety standards. Public service vehicle operators, in particular, serve large numbers of passengers and must prioritise their safety during daily operations.

Drivers should receive appropriate training and understand the importance of observing speed limits, taking necessary breaks during long journeys and avoiding fatigue.

Vehicle owners and transport companies should also ensure that their fleets meet required safety standards and that any mechanical problems are addressed promptly.

Another important aspect of preventing road accidents is improving public awareness from an early age. Schools, families and community organisations can help children understand basic road safety practices, including how to cross roads safely and recognise traffic signs.

Such education can help develop responsible road users and encourage safer behaviour within communities.

The World Day of Remembrance also highlights the need to support victims who survive road accidents but suffer serious injuries. Many survivors require prolonged medical attention, rehabilitation and emotional support as they work towards recovery.

Families caring for injured relatives may also face financial and social difficulties, particularly when victims are unable to return to work or continue with their normal activities.

Access to healthcare, rehabilitation services and psychological support is therefore an important part of addressing the wider effects of road traffic accidents.

The November 15 gathering will provide an opportunity to recognise these challenges while encouraging compassion and solidarity towards affected families.

The memorial procession will also remind Kenyans that road safety should not only become a national discussion following major accidents but should remain a continuous priority throughout the year.

Every road user has a responsibility to make decisions that protect lives. Observing traffic regulations, respecting other road users and reporting dangerous driving can contribute to reducing accidents.

The involvement of different stakeholders in the Kisumu event is expected to strengthen public awareness and encourage broader participation in road safety initiatives.

Communities can also contribute by identifying dangerous road sections, supporting awareness campaigns and engaging relevant authorities on improvements needed to protect pedestrians and motorists.

The event comes as road safety continues to attract public attention, with accidents affecting families across different parts of the country.

For families who have lost loved ones, remembrance events provide an opportunity to honour their memories while finding comfort in the support of others who understand their experiences.

The gathering will also serve as a reminder that behind every road accident is a human story involving individuals, families and communities whose lives may be permanently changed.

As November 15 approaches, NTSA's call encourages Kenyans to participate in remembering road crash victims and supporting efforts aimed at making the country's roads safer.

The memorial procession and inter-denominational prayer service at Jaramogi Sports Ground in Kisumu will bring together members of the public in a shared commitment to remembrance, compassion and road safety awareness.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is not only about honouring those who have died but also about recognising survivors, supporting affected families and encouraging action to prevent future tragedies.

Through collective responsibility, stronger enforcement, public education and improved road safety practices, Kenyans can contribute to creating safer transport systems and reducing the devastating impact of road traffic accidents.