Nairobi: The government, through various agencies, including the National Police Traffic Department, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), has implemented necessary measures to address the deadly surge in accidents witnessed in the country recently. Rift Valley Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Jasper Ombati emphasized the importance of Kenyans adhering to road safety regulations and maintaining ethical conduct on roads.
According to Kenya News Agency, despite adequate measures in place, a significant number of road traffic accidents in Kenya could be prevented if road users changed their behavior. Key issues include speeding, dangerous overtaking, drink-driving, overloading, driver fatigue, and careless road crossing. Ombati identified accident-prone areas in the Rift Valley region, such as the Kinungi-Naivasha-Gilgil Toll Station, Salgaa-Sachangwan-Molo GSU Camp Stretch, and Narok-Mai Mahiu Road, urging motorists to exercise caution when driving through these high-risk zones.
The regional enforcement officer shared insights during a visit to the Soysambu stretch along the Naivasha-Nakuru Highway after leading a team from various agencies to audit the behavior of motorists and other road users on the Nakuru-Kisumu-Eldoret Highway. The audit, conducted days after a series of fatal accidents, revealed that while most Kenyans are familiar with road safety measures, not all are motivated to ensure responsible behavior on the roads.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, crash data indicates a total of 2,933 fatalities were reported between January and August 10, 2025, with an additional 80 cases recorded in just the last few days. Ombati highlighted overlapping as a major issue on the highway, leading to significant traffic gridlock along the Nakuru-Kisumu-Eldoret Highway. Motorists were left stranded for hours, with some spending the night on the road due to traffic jams exacerbated by overlapping lanes and disregard for traffic rules.
Ombati also listed other unruly behaviors contributing to road carnage, such as dazzling oncoming motorists with full beams, tailgating, accelerating to block overtakers, hogging the road, and improper lane changes. These behaviors, while not specifically mentioned in the Traffic Act, have significant impacts on road safety.
In the past 24 hours, three incidents were reported in Nakuru County. A nurse was killed in a collision in the Salgaa area due to careless overtaking. In Molo, a motorist hit a motorbike, resulting in the death of two pillion passengers, a mother and her daughter, while the rider sustained serious injuries. Another incident involved a Western Kenya-bound bus catching fire at Soysambu, where over 60 occupants narrowly escaped death.
According to the Rift Valley Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer, the bus developed a mechanical problem before overturning and bursting into flames. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Ombati stressed the need for all stakeholders in the road transport sector to play their roles in preventing deaths on Kenyan roads, highlighting the immense suffering road carnage causes to affected families.
Ombati noted that pedestrian-related accidents, often involving unsafe crossings, posed significant risks. Vehicle mechanical issues, such as brake failures and tire bursts resulting from poor maintenance, further contribute to accidents. He urged all Kenyans to take responsibility for road safety, acknowledging instances where blame is apportioned to careless road users, including pedestrians and boda bodas.
The National Police Service, alongside other stakeholders, continues to enhance efforts through strategies such as monitoring the speed of public service and commercial vehicles, enforcing against overloading, conducting anti-drink driving operations, and removing unlawful lights on motor vehicles. The Service also verifies NTSA-issued licenses, removes unroadworthy vehicles from the road, and assesses PSV Sacco compliance.
Ombati emphasized the importance of awareness and responsibility among road users, warning that violations of traffic rules would not be tolerated. The NPS will continue supporting NTSA's efforts to coordinate road safety initiatives, including public education and awareness campaigns to encourage behavior and attitude change.