Kenya is facing a worsening road safety crisis after new data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) revealed a sharp rise in pillion passenger deaths and an overall increase in road crash victims this year.
Releasing the report on Sunday, November 16, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, NTSA painted a grim picture: fatalities across all categories rose by 2.9 per cent compared to 2024, signalling a troubling trend even as officials push for safer roads.
More Than 21,000 Crash Victims Recorded
Between January 1 and November 13, Kenya recorded a staggering 21,042 road crash victims.
Among them were:
- 411 pillion passengers who died — a 15% rise from last year
- 1,580 pedestrians, remaining the most vulnerable road users
- 1,085 motorcyclists
- 681 passengers
- 376 drivers
- 62 pedal cyclists
Although fatalities increased overall, there was a slight drop in the number of serious injuries, which fell by 2.8 per cent to 9,888 cases. However, slight injuries surged by 11.4 per cent, showing that road crashes have remained frequent and severe.
Motorcyclist deaths also spiked sharply in October 2025, rising 9.15 per cent compared to the whole of 2024. Last year, the country recorded 994 motorcyclist fatalities, a number that has now been surpassed.
Counties With the Highest Road Fatalities
Nairobi continues to lead in deadly crashes, reporting 447 deaths between January 1 and October 31. The capital was followed by:
- Kiambu – 387 deaths
- Nakuru – 318 deaths
- Machakos – 173 deaths
- Murang’a – 148 deaths
- Kisumu – 137 deaths
These six counties account for the majority of the country’s road fatalities in 2025.
NTSA Calls for Urgent Action
NTSA Acting Director Angela Wanjira expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasizing that every statistic represents a grieving family, a shattered community, and immense financial strain.
“Each loss on our roads represents more than a statistic. Families and communities bear the trauma, grief, and financial hardships that come with every death or serious injury,” she said.
Wanjira reaffirmed the government’s goal to cut road fatalities by at least 50% by 2030, as part of Kenya’s commitment to global road safety targets.
Festive Season Safety Crackdown
With December festivities approaching — a period notorious for high road carnage — NTSA announced a multi-agency plan in partnership with the National Police Service.
The strategy will include:
- Increased enforcement on highways
- Random alcohol and compliance checks
- Speed monitoring
- Targeted campaigns for boda boda operators
- Public education initiatives in hotspot counties
NTSA hopes the intensified collaboration will help curb reckless driving, reduce late-night crashes, and encourage adherence to safety measures among motorists and passengers alike.
