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NTSA considers reviewing speed limits to improve road safety

The wreckage of vehicles involved in an accident in Voi on March 18, 2024, that left at least 11 Kenyatta University students dead. (Photo: Handout)

By Bashir Mohammed | 13 Apr 2024

Since the beginning of the year, over 1,000 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents, with pedestrians being the most affected.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is considering a review of speed limits on various roads across the country in an effort to combat the rising number of road accidents.

According to NTSA's draft strategic plan for 2023–2027, reducing speed limits on roads with high pedestrian activity could help mitigate the escalating accident rates.

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"We need to take bold steps to address the rising number of road accidents. By reducing speed limits and implementing traffic calming measures, we can save lives," said NTSA Director General George Njao.

Currently, speed limits on roads range from 50 to 80 kilometres per hour, depending on the surrounding institutions and activities. However, on certain highways, speed limits exceed 100 km/hr.

NTSA Director General George Njao. (X/NTSA)

NTSA also proposes the use of traffic-calming measures, such as narrowing road speed tables and mini-roundabouts, to address speeding. Additionally, the authority plans to erect barriers on sections of roads where accidents have occurred.

"We will develop safety design manuals that assume user error will occur and focus on providing physical safety protection for users," Njao added.

The move comes as road accidents continue to claim lives in Kenya. Since the beginning of the year, over 1,000 Kenyans have lost their lives in road accidents, with pedestrians being the most affected.

Between January 1, 2024, and April 3, 2024, 445 pedestrians have died.

"We urge all road users to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to prevent accidents," Njao said.

The review of speed limits is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with new measures set to be implemented in 2025.