Road accidents and their occurrence, along with high-risk locations, escalate as the nation grapples with a surge in road fatalities
Recent reports from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and related government agencies have highlighted several dangerous road hotspots in Kenya where frequent fatal accidents have been reported. These roads, identified as particularly hazardous, include:
- Mtito Andei to Mariakani stretch
- Kisumu to Busia road
- Salgaa to Mau Summit section
- Kisumu-Kakamega Road (Coptic Roundabout area)
- Kitengela-Isinya Road (Korompoi area)
These roads are characterized by factors such as potholes, poor drainage, faded road markings, unlit stretches, and increased traffic pressure, which collectively escalate risks, especially at night and during bad weather.
The NTSA and Ministry of Roads and Transport have reported a shocking total of 2,933 fatalities on Kenyan roads from January to August 10, 2025. The causes of these crashes largely involve public service vehicles, private cars, and commercial vehicles, with key contributing factors including hit-and-run incidents, tire bursts, head-on collisions from improper overtaking, and reckless driving practices.
In response, a multi-agency team, involving NTSA and police, has conducted road safety audits specifically on these dangerous road segments to identify deficiencies and reconstruct accident scenes. Their technical recommendations are expected imminently to guide urgent interventions aimed at reducing fatalities.
Additional ongoing measures include strengthening road safety legislation covering school transport, commercial vehicle operation, drunk driving regulations, vehicle inspections, and roadside station standards, all part of the Kenya National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028.
Human behaviour, including speeding violations, fatigue, negligence, and pedestrian-related incidents, is the leading cause of road deaths in the country. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported that road carnage continued to soar in 2024, with at least 400 more people killed compared to the previous year.
In an effort to combat this, then Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued measures to end the surging road fatalities and casualties, including a crackdown on private vehicles operating as PSVs and a return of NTSA officials to roads to collaborate with the police. The government is also privatising law enforcement by using cameras, according to Murkomen.
The government's efforts to address road safety issues came months after a series of deadly road accidents across the country. In 2024, at least 4,748 people died on the roads between January 1 and December 31. The re-testing of all PSV and heavy commercial drivers, which had been postponed after an outcry from the sector, was also announced to be implemented without further delay.
The country has seen a history of chilling road carnage in recent years, resulting in widespread public uproar. However, with the recent measures taken and ongoing initiatives, there is hope for a safer future on Kenya's roads.
- The Epaper reported on the multi-agency team, which includes the NTSA and police, conducting road safety audits on the dangerous road segments in Kenya, such as Mtito Andei to Mariakani, Kisumu to Busia, and others, to identify deficiencies and recommend urgent interventions.
- The Finance Ministry has allotted funds towards improving road safety in Kenya, including the identification and repair of potholes, better drainage systems, improved lighting, and signage, addressing factors contributing to frequent fatal accidents.
- General-News media outlets have covered a wave of road accidents in Kenya in recent years, with sports personalities, industry leaders, and crime-and-justice figures among the victims. The government's increased focus on road safety measures is a response to this public outcry.
- Apart from the physical infrastructure improvements, the government is also focusing on enforcing road safety legislation, with an emphasis on school transport regulations, commercial vehicle operation, drunk driving regulations, and improved vehicle inspections, as part of the Kenya National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028.
- In an effort to address the rising number of accidents, the Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced measures such as a crackdown on private vehicles operating as PSVs, a return of NTSA officials to roads, the privatization of law enforcement using cameras, and the re-testing of all PSV and heavy commercial drivers without delay.
