Government shares list of blackspots on major roads across the country

The Ministry of Interior has identified several road blackspots across Nairobi and other parts of the country in a bid to reduce road carnage.

These blackspots as noted by the ministry on Monday, known for their high frequency of accidents resulting in fatalities or serious injuries, have been flagged as areas requiring heightened surveillance and intervention.

In Nairobi, the Kasarani-GSU stretch, which has witnessed multiple accidents in recent months, and Waiyaki Way near the Kangemi Flyover are some of the blackspots mentioned by the government.

Other major blackspots in the city include the stretch from Westlands to Kabete Road, Mombasa Road between Airtel Headquarters and Cabanas, and Jogoo Road near Maziwa Stage Footbridge.

Thika Road at Kenyatta University, the Ruai Bypass, and Lang'ata Road near Carnivore Junction have also been identified as accident-prone areas.

The Eastern Bypass near Transami Footbridge and the footbridge at General Motors (GM) are some of the other problematic routes in Nairobi.

Across the country, the Ministry has identified additional blackspots in regions prone to heavy traffic during the festive period. In the Coastal region, Tsavo-Maungu-Voi, Mazeras Miritini, and Kilifi-Vipingo are notable hotspots.

Further, the Kwale-Matuga Junction, Maji ya Chumvi, and the road sections around Malindi at Jiwe Tanga have been listed for attention.

In Central Kenya, blackspots include Kiganjo-Narumor, Kibirigwi-Sagana, and the Limuru-Uplands Section.

The Makutano-Embu Road, along with other sections like Nyeri-Nyahururu Road, Kiambu-Muthaiga Road, and the Thika-Garissa Road, have also been flagged.

The Rift Valley region is also no stranger to road accidents. Areas such as Molo GSU Camp in Salgaa, Timboroa-Burnt Forest Section, and the Kericho-Litein Road Section are among the most hazardous routes.

Other key blackspots include Narok-Mai Mahiu Junction, Kinyinyi area along Narok Road, and Nakuru-Mau Summit Road.

Western Kenya is not exempt either. High-risk road sections in the region include the Mbale-Vihiga Road, Kakamega-Chavakali Road, and the Kakamega-Kisumu-Ilesi Museno Road.

Accidents are also common along the Kakamega-Mumias Road at Makunga and the Kakamega-Webuye-Lubao highway.

The identification of these blackspots comes as the government intensifies its efforts to curb road accidents during the festive season when traffic volumes surge across the country.

The Ministry has urged both road users and law enforcement to take extra caution and follow traffic regulations to avoid unnecessary fatalities and injuries.

Recorded accidents

The number of road crash casualties has risen this year, with 21,620 cases reported by November 2024, according to the latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

This marks an increase from 20,191 cases in the same period of 2023, raising concerns about road safety.

Fatalities have risen to 4,282 in 2024, up from 3,901 last year. Serious injuries also increased to 10,662, compared to 9,501 in 2023.

However, slight injuries have decreased slightly from 6,789 in 2023 to 6,676 this year.

Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable road users.

According to NTSA, 3,917 pedestrians have died in road accidents this year, up from 3,427 in 2023. Motorcyclists recorded 4,042 fatalities, an increase from 3,714 last year.

Drivers and passengers also saw a rise in casualties. A total of 1,982 drivers were affected, including 369 fatalities, compared to 1,865 cases in 2023. Passenger casualties surged to 8,804, with 788 fatalities, up from 8,641 cases last year.

Pillion passengers recorded 2,673 casualties, an increase from 2,356 in 2023. Among pedal cyclists, the total number of casualties rose to 202, compared to 188 last year.