NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has urged motorists and boda boda operators to strictly observe road signs and safety regulations as the country heads into the festive season, a period traditionally marked by increased travel and heightened road accidents.
KURA Director General Silas Kinoti, in a statement on Sunday, November 9, emphasized that discipline among drivers and riders is key to ensuring smooth traffic flow and minimizing accidents during the busy period.
“Drivers must observe all road signs as we head into the festive season. As the authority building these roads, I expect full discipline on site,” Kinoti said.
“Failure to follow road signs is a violation of the law and may lead to arrest by traffic officers. Safety is our shared responsibility. We are delivering the roads Kenya deserves.”
He further cautioned that motorists who flout traffic laws will be arrested and prosecuted. Kinoti also reminded road contractors of their legal obligation to install appropriate signage and safety warnings at all construction zones, warning that engineers would enforce compliance without exception.
“Contractors must install all required signage — no excuses. Our engineers will enforce compliance,” he added.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya recorded 3,397 road fatalities in the first nine months of 2025, 28 more than the same period in 2024. Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most affected, accounting for 1,285 and 858 deaths, respectively, followed by 568 passengers and 309 drivers.
The National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028) identifies evening hours as the deadliest for road users due to speeding, poor visibility, and drunk driving, with August and September 2025 witnessing a spike in crashes on major highways.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced intensified nationwide security surveillance ahead of the holiday period. Speaking on Friday, November 8, Kanja said the National Police Service will coordinate closely with regional commanders and intelligence units to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
“We must, from time to time, come together to discuss and strategize because we must at all times remain a step ahead of offenders,” Kanja said, adding that the force is committed to ensuring Kenyans enjoy a peaceful festive season.
He also called for professionalism and respect for human rights among officers, noting that collaboration among agencies would strengthen security operations.
“When we all work together, we have intelligence-led operations, meaning everyone is contributing. We bring together all officers and agencies to ensure unity of purpose, and when we do that, we all succeed,” Kanja said.
The coordinated efforts between KURA and the police underscore a broader push by government agencies to curb rising road fatalities and bolster public safety as the festive rush begins.
