NAIROBI, Kenya — More than 3,300 Kenyans have died in road crashes in the first nine months of 2025, new data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows, underscoring the country’s deepening road safety crisis despite ongoing interventions.
The NTSA reports that 3,397 people have died so far this year, 28 more than during the same period in 2024.
In total, 17,270 people have been affected by crashes, including injuries — an increase of nearly 300 cases compared to last year.
Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable, accounting for 1,285 deaths, followed by 858 motorcyclists, 568 passengers and 309 drivers.
Evening crashes deadliest
The National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028) attributes the bulk of accidents to high-risk behaviours and poor conditions in the evenings.
Data shows that 26 per cent of crashes in Nairobi and 30 per cent nationwide occur between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, when reduced congestion, poor visibility and alcohol use heighten risk.
Police reports indicate that nearly 46 per cent of fatalities occur in just eight counties, while five roads in Nairobi, which make up just 2 per cent of the county’s network, account for more than a third of fatal crashes.
New safety blueprint
In response, the government has rolled out a five-year action plan aimed at halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Key measures include:
- Automated speed checks with on-the-spot fines.
- Stricter standards for imported used vehicles and automated driver testing.
- Enhanced school transport regulations.
- Expansion of key highways including Rironi–Mau Summit and Kwa Jomvu–Mariakani.
- Pedestrian-focused interventions, such as 13 new footbridges on Nairobi’s Outer Ring Road BRT corridor and blackspot upgrades at Ngata Bridge (Nakuru), Bonje (Kilifi) and the Kisumu–Kakamega highway.
“Existing roads have been placed under performance-based maintenance contracts to ensure routine upkeep, including road signage, high-visibility lane markings and safety fences,” NTSA said.
Behavioural risks persist
Despite infrastructure and policy efforts, unsafe road behaviours remain widespread.
A study of 38 Nairobi blackspots found that only 24 percent of pedestrians used designated crosswalks.
Helmet use is high among motorcyclists (82 percent), but only 26 percent of pillion passengers wear helmets, despite evidence that helmets cut fatalities by 41 percent.
Meanwhile, enforcement remains weak. In 2023, over half of drivers caught above the legal alcohol limit in Nairobi never appeared in court, NTSA noted.
Call for collective responsibility
The Action Plan outlines eight national priorities, ranging from enforcement and vehicle standards to education and community awareness.
The agency said the success of the strategy hinges on collaboration across government, private sector and the public.
“Everyone must collaborate as a nation and within communities to mitigate the immense pain, suffering and economic losses caused by road crash fatalities and injuries,” NTSA said.
