NTSA raises alarm as road deaths climb to 4,458 in 2025
The high passenger death toll has raised concerns over speeding, vehicle overloading, and public service vehicles failing to follow safety regulations.
Kenyans are facing an escalating road safety crisis as new figures from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) show 4,458 deaths on the country’s roads this year, surpassing last year’s total of 4,311.
The data paints a grim picture of the risks all road users face, especially as the holiday season approaches, when travel volumes surge.
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Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, with 1,685 fatalities recorded so far. Drivers accounted for 403 deaths, while 723 passengers lost their lives in crashes involving private cars, buses, and matatus.
The high passenger death toll has raised concerns over speeding, vehicle overloading, and public service vehicles failing to follow safety regulations.
Motorcycle riders and their passengers continue to face grave danger.
The year has seen 1,148 motorcyclists killed, alongside 432 pillion riders, highlighting persistent safety challenges in boda boda transport.
Cyclists on pedal bikes also suffered, with 67 deaths recorded in 2025.
With the festive season nearing, NTSA has issued a strong warning to all road users, urging vigilance and adherence to traffic rules to prevent further loss of life.
Last month, NTSA also cautioned women against sitting sideways on motorcycles, a practice that increases the risk of serious injuries.
“Should someone interfere with the CG, the machine can fall. When riding a motorcycle, weight should be equally distributed,” South Nyanza NTSA Manager Adan Adow said.
He noted that passengers seated behind the rider, facing forward with both legs on either side, help maintain the motorcycle’s centre of gravity and reduce injury risk.
“When an emergency brake is applied, a passenger on a motorcycle is likely to lose balance and fall either backwards or forwards,” Adan said.
He added that sideways passengers are also more likely to have loose garments entangled in the wheels.
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