NAIROBI, Kenya – More than 270 road crash black spots have been identified across Kenya as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) cites poor road infrastructure, driver behaviour and vehicle conditions among factors behind the continued rise in road deaths.
The revelation comes as Kenya’s annual road death toll approaches 4,000, with more than 3,000 people consistently losing their lives in crashes each year despite vehicle inspections, enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns.
NTSA Director of Road Safety Dr Andrew Kipalgat said the continued loss of lives remains a major concern for the authority.
“The question you’re asking is the question that is keeping us on our toes every day. NTSA exists to bring the numbers down,” Kipalgat said.
He said the authority remains under pressure to reverse the trend.
“My job as NTSA Director of Road Safety is, so long as the numbers are going up, we are actually not at peace, and our job every day is what do we do to bring this number down,” he said.
Northern Corridor Has 199 Black Spots
According to NTSA, it has identified more than 270 black spots countrywide, with 199 located along the Mombasa-Malaba Northern Corridor.
The authority said the concentration of black spots on the busy corridor highlights the role played by road design and infrastructure in road crashes.
Kipalgat pointed to the Salama section of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where a recent deadly crash renewed concerns about the safety of the route.
He said separating opposing traffic through the construction of a dual carriageway could reduce the risk of serious collisions.
“Salama, for example, if the road was dualled, then the vehicles on the other side would have been safer, because actually the people who suffered are the people who were on the other side of the road,” he said.
NTSA: Road Crashes Have Multiple Causes
The authority said road crashes cannot be attributed solely to vehicle-related factors.
NTSA estimates that vehicle-related factors account for about 17 per cent of road crashes.
Kipalgat said investigations should consider the condition of the vehicle, road infrastructure, road user behaviour and the response provided after a crash.
“When a crash happens, then you ask yourselves these questions: What was the issue with the vehicle? What was the issue with the road? What was the issue with the road user? And what was the issue with the post-crash?” he said.
“If you’re able to answer those questions, then I think this question of responsibility will come out clear.”
25 Drivers Have Licences Suspended
NTSA said it has intensified enforcement, particularly against violations linked to crashes occurring at night.
Over the past three months, the authority has suspended the licences of 25 drivers.
It has also summoned 20 matatu SACCOs after their vehicles were flagged for violating traffic regulations.
More than 2,400 vehicles have been impounded during the same period.
Speeding, Overlapping Remain Major Concerns
The enforcement measures come amid persistent concerns over violations including speeding, overlapping and driving unroadworthy vehicles.
Unlicensed drivers also remain a concern despite continued enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
NTSA said reducing road deaths requires action beyond vehicle regulation and enforcement, with road infrastructure, motorists’ behaviour and post-crash emergency response all playing a role.
The authority maintains that bringing down the country’s road death toll will require a coordinated approach addressing the different factors that contribute to crashes and fatalities.
