NTSA exposes worrying road accident figures as Kenyans prepare for festive season

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has expressed alarm over the rising toll of road accidents in Kenya as the country prepares for the upcoming festive season. Director General Nashon Kondiwa disclosed that 5,009 individuals lost their lives in road crashes throughout the nation in 2025, with a further 19,896 suffering severe injuries.

Speaking at a World Day of Remembrance event in Kisumu County on November 15, Kondiwa noted that these fatalities were spread across 11,638 incidents. The statistics revealed that 73 percent of those impacted were vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers. Kondiwa cautioned that the forthcoming weeks would be especially hazardous due to heightened traffic from Kenyans traveling for the holidays.

"We are entering the most critical moment of busy traffic on our highways in November and December due to the holiday rush. We appeal to road users to please observe traffic rules to prevent road accidents during this time," he urged.

Traffic Commandant Benjamin Mwathi also raised concerns about the disproportionate impact on motorcyclists and passengers, who comprised the largest group of accident victims. He emphasized the need for greater accountability among all road users. "Our roads should not be highways for competition. Boda boda pillion riders and passengers account for the highest accident victims. Road safety must be a collective responsibility bringing in all stakeholders with an aim of saving lives and injuries," Mwathi stated.

Board Member Pius Muchai of the State Department for Transport advised motorists to steer clear of speeding and drunk driving, emphasizing that individual responsibility was paramount in road safety. "Let us avoid speeding and drunk driving, and let us observe road discipline. Every life is important and must not be lost," he implored.

These warnings follow President William Ruto's earlier concerns about the number of road fatalities in Kenya, which rose to 5,009 in 2025, marking a 261-death increase from the previous year. Ruto estimated that road crashes and their consequences cost the country about Ksh450 billion annually, accounting for five percent of Kenya's GDP.

He announced plans to implement reforms aimed at improving road safety, including instant traffic fines, a demerit point system for drivers, and increased use of CCTV and speed cameras. Ruto also identified weak enforcement, bribery, unroadworthy vehicles, and poor coordination among government agencies as contributing factors to the high number of accidents.

The Kisumu gathering gathered government representatives, road safety advocates, bereaved families, and the general public to honor those who died or were injured in traffic incidents and to recommit to safer roads.