The government has announced sweeping road safety measures in response to a series of deadly crashes that claimed dozens of lives on major highways in August.
In a statement on Friday, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said investigations into the incidents revealed three main contributors: poor road infrastructure, reckless driver behavior, and poorly maintained vehicles.
“These reports underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in the Road Transport Sector to reduce and ultimately prevent fatalities on our roads,” Chirchir said.
The Ministry, working closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), has already begun implementing key recommendations. Among the interventions is the treatment and improvement of hazardous road sections across the country. Authorities are also intensifying inspections to enforce compliance with the Kenya Standard for Road Vehicles Passenger Body Construction (KS 372:2019), which regulates passenger service vehicles.
Beyond enforcement, NTSA will scale up road user education campaigns while tightening oversight to curb reckless driving, over-speeding, and non-compliance with traffic laws.
With schools reopening, the government has placed special emphasis on protecting children and other vulnerable road users. Chirchir urged drivers to exercise caution around educational institutions, maintain safe speeds, and avoid unnecessary honking.
“We ask drivers to refrain from honking, drive slowly, and maintain safe speeds around educational institutions,” he said, stressing the importance of vigilance when children are crossing roads.
The Ministry also called on pedestrians to take personal responsibility for their safety by using designated crossings, avoiding mobile phone distractions, and ensuring they make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
Chirchir emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility, noting that sustainable progress can only be achieved through collaboration between government agencies, motorists, pedestrians, and the private sector.
“The Ministry remains committed to working with all partners to make our roads safer for every Kenyan,” he added.
The measures come at a time when road fatalities remain a growing concern. The government hopes the new steps will significantly reduce tragedies and improve safety, particularly for schoolchildren returning to class this term.
