Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs Geoffrey Ruku has attributed the growing cases of road accidents in Kenya to reckless behaviour among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Speaking in Emali during the launch of the Highway Emergency Response Program along the Nairobi–Mombasa road on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Ruku urged all road users to exercise personal responsibility to help curb the alarming number of fatalities.
According to the CS, 4,748 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024, translating to an average of 13 deaths daily. He described the situation as a national tragedy that requires both government action and individual discipline to reverse the trend.
“We are working closely with emergency response organisations to strengthen our preparedness and response mechanisms along key transport corridors,” Ruku said.
Ruku further revealed that the government has allocated Ksh 350 million for the construction of a modern emergency hospital in Emali, aimed at providing timely medical assistance to accident victims along the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
The CS emphasized that effective road safety cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone but through a change in mindset among all road users. He appealed to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcycle riders to act responsibly and prioritize safety on the roads.
The Highway Emergency Response Program in Emali is a joint initiative between the government and St. John Ambulance, which is spearheading trauma and emergency response efforts along major transport routes. Representatives from St. John noted that there are now 14 trauma and emergency centres stretching from Mombasa to the Malaba border, ensuring the availability of ambulances, medical staff, and rapid response teams for accident victims.
Ruku’s remarks come amid growing concern over Kenya’s road safety record, as authorities intensify efforts to reduce preventable deaths caused by negligence and non-compliance with traffic rules.
