Govt Reveals Major Cause of Spike in Road Fatalities

The Ministry of Roads and Transport has released new findings from Crash Investigation Reports following a rise in deadly highway accidents across Kenya.
The report, published on Friday, August 22, 2025, by Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, stated three major contributors to the surge in road fatalities: poor road infrastructure, reckless driver behaviour, and the poor mechanical condition of vehicles.
“Our findings underscore that poorly maintained roads, reckless driving, and vehicle defects remain the leading causes of fatalities,” Chirchir said during the briefing.
He added that treatment and improvement of hazardous road sections will be prioritized, with the ministry working closely withthe National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)to enforce strict compliance with KS 372:2019 standards through tougher vehicle inspections.
KS 372:2019 standards are a Kenya Standard for the construction of passenger vehicle bodies, setting specifications for safety, structural integrity, material usage, and quality control to ensure that vehicles are safe and comfortable for public use.
With schools set to reopen, Chirchir urged motorists to be more vigilant on the roads.
“Drivers and motorcyclists must ensure their vehicles are well maintained, appropriately licensed, and that they drive slowly around educational institutions,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also reminded pedestrians to prioritize their safety by using designated crossings, avoiding distractions such as phones, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing roads.
The ministry announced that it will intensify public awareness campaigns on road safety, alongside continued enforcement of traffic laws.
“Continued efforts in road user education and law enforcement are key to reducing fatalities and preventing accidents,” Chirchir said.
The report comes amid a particularly deadly month on Kenyan roads. Since the start of August, dozens of lives have been lost in a series of tragic crashes, including a school bus accident along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway on August 8, 2025, that left residents in shock.
Between January 1 and August 10, 2025,a total of 2,933 people have died in traffic accidents nationwide, according to ministry data. Alarmingly, 80 deaths were recorded in just four days in early August, triggering emergency safety audits.
Chirchir assured Kenyans that the government is committed to reducing road carnage.“We remain dedicated to working with all partners to make our roads safer for every Kenyan. Fatalities on our roads are preventable, and coordinated action is crucial to save lives,” he said.