More than 20 die in weekend crashes as team moves to curb fatalities
The wreckage of a matatu that was involved in an accident near Chabera Trading center in Rachuonyo East in Homa Bay County.
The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) on Monday held a crisis meeting to formulate measures to curb the increasing fatalities in road accidents.
This is after more than 20 people died in separate road crashes in the weekend.
A tragic road accident in Nyamira County on Sunday left the Rangenyo SDA Choir devastated, claiming the lives of eight of its members out of 10 people killed in the crash.
Ten more people, who were returning home to Nyamira County from a wedding in Kakamega, died at Chabera trading centre in Homa Bay County.
Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo died on Saturday when his vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming bus in the Karai area of Naivasha.
The latest crashes once again shine a powerful spotlight on Kenya's roads where 4,682 people have died so far this year, a 5 percent increase from 4,479 in 2024, according to the latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
That rising number of fatal crashes prompted the formation of a multi-agency team to address the worrying trend, which has dulled the festive mood, turning the Christmas celebrations into grief for many families.
Those involved in talks were National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney-General, NTSA, the State Department for Correctional Services, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
They noted that these fatalities are not only devastating families but also affecting the country’s economy.
The chairperson of the council, Chief Justice Martha Koome, highlighted that road deaths have increased by 5 percent compared to last year, raising serious concern.
“The meeting was held against a backdrop of an alarming rise in traffic-related deaths—from 4,479 in 2024 to 4,682 in 2025, a 5 percent increase,” CJ Koome said in a joint address.
To ensure the safety of Kenyans travelling upcountry for Christmas, CJ Koome said the council resolved to step up efforts along highways, which have increasingly become ‘highways of death.’
She said that while the multi-agency team has put in place diverse measures to enhance road safety and prevent traffic fatalities, all Kenyans must cooperate to avert further loss of life.
“We urge Kenyans to observe traffic rules and regulations to prevent deaths, injuries, and traffic congestion. Motorists are particularly advised against speeding, drunk driving, and reckless overtaking. Members of the public are encouraged to report road safety concerns using the toll-free numbers 999, 911, and 112,” CJ Koome said.
The council agreed to strengthen multi-agency collaboration, coordination and information sharing to create a unified and practical approach to enforcing traffic laws during the festive season and beyond.
To ensure that non-compliant motorists are held accountable, the team announced the rollout of mobile courts, which will be stationed along major highways.
“This will involve deploying mobile courts using physical and electronic means as deterrence and enforcement measures. Those who require legal representation will be accorded the opportunity and encouraged to consult their advocates,” CJ Koome explained.
No bribes
Additionally, EACC officials will be deployed along major highways to monitor enforcement of traffic laws and deter corruption.
“Kenyans are urged not to pay bribes if arrested for violating traffic rules. There will also be heightened monitoring of human rights compliance,” she added.
The CJ further encouraged motorists to ensure that their vehicles and motorbikes are roadworthy before embarking on travel. Attention will also be given to motorbikes violating traffic laws, with measures to streamline their operations for safety and posterity.
Of particular interest has also been the Nairobi–Nakuru highway. The A8 corridor is the region's lifeblood, linking Nairobi to Nakuru, Eldoret and Western Kenya, as well as the international borders. It is at its busiest when the rest of Kenya is asleep. Truck drivers haul cargo through the night. Long-distance buses inch towards Busia, Kisumu and Kakamega. Private motorists are rushing to make up time.
With increased travel, during the festive season, most of it by road, NTSA has already cautioned motorists and travellers to observe traffic guidelines while using the busy road and many others across the country, to avoid accidents.
“Most accidents on the section of the highway are caused by human error, reckless overtaking, speeding, and failure to observe traffic signs. We have also seen cases where heavy trucks lose control on downhill sections because of brake failure,” revealed Gilgil Subcounty Police Commander Winston Mwakio.
Last Saturday, eight members of the same family died after the vehicle they were in was involved in a crash with a trailer at Bw’arani-Tombe area on the Kericho-Nyamira road.
Police said the accident involved a trailer, registration number KBE 701E, whose driver escaped after the crash, and a Nissan matatu, KCF 068V, belonging to Quarser Sacco.
“The trailer was heading towards Kericho when the driver failed to keep to his lane and collided head-on with the matatu, which was travelling towards Nyamira,” a police report stated.
Last week, NTSA suspended the licences of 62 drivers from seven public transport companies after a compliance review revealed numerous safety violations.
The Authority said the affected drivers must undergo mandatory retesting before their licences can be reinstated.
“This action follows a compliance assessment that revealed multiple violations and serious safety concerns,” NTSA stated.
In addition to the retests, NTSA has instructed the involved operators to conduct road safety awareness training for all their drivers and to present selected vehicles for inspection.
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Reporting by Ruth Mbula, Kevin Cheruyoit, Hillary Kimuyu and Eric Matara
