Kenya records 80 road crash deaths in four days as government launches safety audits
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association has called on NTSA, the National Police Service, and KeNHA to fully carry out their duties in ensuring safer roads.
At least 80 people have died in road accidents across Kenya in the past four days, the government has confirmed.
In response to the recent surge in crashes, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that a multi-agency team has been deployed to conduct safety audits on the affected road sections. The team will reconstruct crash scenes and identify safety shortcomings, with a report expected within seven days.
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“Crash data indicates a total of 2,933 fatalities have been reported between January and August 10, 2025. Unfortunately, 80 occurred over the past four days,” Chirchir said in a statement on Monday.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those still receiving treatment in health facilities.
The officials from various agencies tasked with the safety audit have been instructed to complete their work within seven days and to submit technical recommendations aimed at preventing further unnecessary loss of life.
“As a Ministry, we will continue working with all stakeholders to implement both long and medium-term measures provided in Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 within the available resources,” Chirchir added.
The scene of the tragic collision on the Kisumu-Busia road involving a Royal Liner bus which left one person dead and six others injured. (Photo: Courtesy)
Strengthen road safety legislation
He also reiterated that efforts to strengthen road safety legislation are at an advanced stage. These include regulations covering school transport, commercial vehicle operations, drink driving, motor vehicle inspections, roadside stations, and a review of the Traffic Act.
Chirchir noted that the government is addressing infrastructure challenges, highlighting ongoing projects such as the redesign of Nithi Bridge and the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, which are progressing well and are expected to be completed soon.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretary said the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will continue to scale up coordination of road safety initiatives, including public education and awareness campaigns aimed at changing behaviour and attitudes.
Supporting these efforts, Chirchir urged all transport stakeholders—operators and road users alike, including drivers, pedestrians, boda boda riders, and cyclists—to prioritise safety and strictly adhere to road safety guidelines.
“Full compliance with stipulated speed limits, vehicle maintenance standards, proper licensing, and traffic regulations is not optional but a collective responsibility that safeguards lives,” he said.
He emphasised that this holistic and collaborative approach will significantly reduce fatalities and injuries on Kenya’s roads.
“We note that road traffic accidents are not only predictable but also preventable if all road users played their part,” he said.
“Let us all play our part in ensuring Kenya’s roads are safe for everyone.”
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has called on NTSA, the National Police Service (NPS), and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to fully carry out their duties in ensuring safer roads.
LoDDCA described the fatalities as “families torn apart and futures cut short,” stressing that “one life lost is one too many.”
The association reminded drivers, members, and the motoring public that road safety is both a personal responsibility and a national duty. It urged strict adherence to traffic regulations, constant alertness, consideration for other road users, and disciplined driving at all times without exception.
LoDDCA pointed out that many recent accidents were preventable and highlighted gaps in enforcement, roadworthiness inspections, and infrastructure maintenance.
The association singled out critical road sections such as Mtito Andei to Mariakani, Kisumu to Busia, and Salgaa to Mau Summit as especially hazardous due to potholes, poor drainage, faded road markings, and unlit stretches.
These conditions, LoDDCA warned, increase risks for motorists, especially at night and during bad weather, and urgently require rehabilitation and maintenance.
LoDDCA also appealed to transport sector employers to act responsibly. It noted that unrealistic delivery and operational targets pressure drivers into unsafe practices, including overwork and fatigue, well-known contributors to fatal accidents.
“A safe driver is not just a business asset but a custodian of lives,” the association said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that every journey on Kenya’s roads ends safely.
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