EXPLAINER: Why Kenya’s road safety efforts are failing

Kenya has recorded a worrying number of road accident deaths in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing figures reported during the same period in previous years.

According to recent data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 3,397 people lost their lives in road accidents between January and September 14, 2025.

The figure highlights the persistent challenge of road safety, despite years of government interventions to improve conditions on the country’s roads.

In comparison, 2025 shows a slight rise in fatalities from approximately 3,369 deaths recorded in the same period in 2024, and 3,151 in 2023, consistent with a troubling trend of more than 3,000 deaths within nine months.

To put this into perspective, 17,290 people were involved in accidents between January 1 and September 14, 2025, compared to 16,979 in the same period in 2024.

NTSA data reveals that the toll is disproportionately borne by vulnerable road users.

 “A staggering 1,285 pedestrians lost their lives in the first nine months of the year, painting a stark picture of the dangers faced by those on foot, especially in urban areas and along busy highways,” the agency reported.

This was followed by 858 motorcyclists, 568 passengers, and 309 drivers. NTSA noted that poor infrastructure and unsafe pathways have worsened the crisis.

The rapid growth of the boda boda sector has also introduced new risks, with fatalities among motorcyclists rising sharply.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport attributes the grim trend to a dangerous mix of factors: speeding, reckless overtaking, drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and inadequate infrastructure.

The NTSA’s National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028), launched earlier this year, identified evening hours as particularly high-risk, due to poor visibility, higher speeds, and alcohol consumption.

In August 2025, NTSA investigations into a spate of fatal crashes pointed to reckless driver behavior, corruption in vehicle inspections, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws as root causes.

In response, the government has rolled out a five-year strategy aimed at halving fatalities and serious injuries by 2028.

Measures include automated traffic enforcement systems, stricter standards for imported vehicles, enhanced school transport safety, and road redesigns at black spots.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the urgency of the crisis during the launch of the second Inter-Agency Road Safety Conference.

He said over 750 kilometers of roads have been star-rated, with black spot treatments underway.

“The tragedy continues to claim lives, most of them youth in their prime. This demands urgent attention,” Chirchir said.

Despite these efforts, the rising death toll signals that deeper systemic issues, ranging from corruption to a cultural disregard for traffic laws, continue to undermine progress.

With the festive season approaching, NTSA has warned of heightened risks as travel increases, urging both authorities and citizens to act decisively to curb further loss of life.