Raynor, NJ and Mirzoev, T (2014) Understanding road safety in Kenya: views of matatu drivers. International Health, 6 (3). 242 - 248. ISSN 1876-3413
Abstract
Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are estimated to cause 1.3 million deaths and 20-50 million injuries worldwide. Road safety is a challenge in Kenya with causes being multi-factorial. Matatus (minibuses) are involved in a large proportion of accidents. Methods: A literature review was completed to identify key issues and refine the scope of the study. The fieldwork included 20 semi-structured interviews with matatu drivers. All participants were male, with driving experience of 1-20 years. Thematic framework was used for analysis. Some unstructured observations on different road users and their behaviours were also recorded. Results: Literature showed that the causes of RTAs in Kenya are multi-factorial, but that human factors play a large part. There is also an evidence gap concerning matatu drivers, who are key stakeholders in road safety. Fieldwork showed that the matatu industry creates financial pressures on drivers and an excessive level of competition, leading to dangerous driving. Corruption of traffic police appears to be a major barrier to improving road safety, as road safety legislation is not enforced, and bribery has become the cultural norm. The general public, including passengers and private vehicles owners, also cause problems by failing to understand their role in road safety and placing the blame on others. Conclusions: The key policy implication for improving road safety in Kenya is seeking measures to ensure responsibility by all road users through awareness raising in the short-term and reforming the matatu industry and addressing the root causes of corruption in the longer term.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Injury; Kenya; Matatu; Road safety; Road traffic accidents; Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Automobile Driving; Awareness; Fraud; Humans; Kenya; Male; Police; Qualitative Research; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Safety |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 09 Oct 2015 13:39 |
Last Modified: | 10 Apr 2016 15:04 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihu034 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/inthealth/ihu034 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:88453 |