The government has outlined new measures to curb the alarming rise in road accidents, following the release of a report on Friday, August 22, 2025, by Energy and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
The report identified three major contributors to the surge in fatalities: poor road infrastructure, reckless driver behaviour, and defective vehicles. “Our findings underscore that poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and vehicle defects remain the leading causes of fatalities,” Chirchir said during a media briefing.
To address the crisis, the ministry announced that hazardous road sections will be prioritized for treatment and improvement. Additionally, the government will work closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to enforce compliance with KS 372:2019 standards, which set specifications for the construction of passenger vehicle bodies. These standards ensure safety, structural integrity, and quality control in vehicles used for public transport.
Chirchir urged road users, particularly as schools prepare to reopen, to exercise vigilance. “Drivers and motorcyclists must ensure their vehicles are well maintained, appropriately licensed, and that they drive slowly around educational institutions,” he said. Pedestrians were also advised to use designated crossings, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, and make eye contact with motorists before crossing.
The ministry further announced an intensification of public awareness campaigns on road safety, alongside tougher enforcement of traffic laws. Chirchir emphasized that continued road user education and strict law enforcement remain central to reversing the worrying trend.
The urgency of the measures comes amid a deadly month on Kenyan roads. A tragic school bus accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway on August 8 left residents in shock, adding to the grim statistics. Between January 1 and August 10, 2025, at least 2,933 people have died in traffic accidents nationwide. Alarmingly, 80 deaths were recorded in just four days earlier this month, prompting emergency safety audits.
Chirchir assured Kenyans that the government is committed to reversing the trend. “Fatalities on our roads are preventable, and coordinated action is crucial to save lives,” he said.
