At least 80 people have lost their lives in road accidents across Kenya in the last four days, the government confirmed on Monday. This alarming number adds to the total of 2,933 fatalities reported between January and August 10, 2025, highlighting a growing concern about road safety nationwide.

In response, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that a multi-agency team has been deployed to conduct thorough safety audits on the affected roads. This team will carefully reconstruct crash scenes and identify any safety gaps, with a full report expected within seven days.

Chirchir expressed deep sympathy for the families mourning their loved ones and wished a quick recovery to those injured. He explained that the audit teams are expected to provide technical recommendations to prevent further tragic losses.

“As a Ministry, we will continue working with all stakeholders to implement both long and medium-term measures provided in Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 within the available resources,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve road safety legislation. These efforts include updating rules on school transport, commercial vehicle operations, drink driving, vehicle inspections, roadside stations, and revising the Traffic Act.

On the infrastructure front, projects such as the redesign of Nithi Bridge and the widening of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road are progressing well and expected to be completed soon.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will continue to strengthen road safety campaigns focusing on public education and behavior change. Chirchir urged all road users—drivers, pedestrians, boda boda riders, and cyclists—to prioritize safety by strictly following road safety rules.

“Full compliance with stipulated speed limits, vehicle maintenance standards, proper licensing, and traffic regulations is not optional but a collective responsibility that safeguards lives,” he stressed.

He added, “We note that road traffic accidents are not only predictable but also preventable if all road users played their part. Let us all play our part in ensuring Kenya’s roads are safe for everyone.”

The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has also spoken out, calling on the NTSA, National Police Service, and Kenya National Highways Authority to fully execute their roles in making roads safer.

The association described the rising deaths as “families torn apart and futures cut short,” emphasizing that “one life lost is one too many.” LoDDCA reminded drivers and the public that road safety is both a personal duty and a national responsibility.

LoDDCA pointed out that many of the recent accidents could have been avoided and identified gaps in enforcement, vehicle inspections, and road maintenance.

The association singled out dangerous stretches such as Mtito Andei to Mariakani, Kisumu to Busia, and Salgaa to Mau Summit, highlighting problems like potholes, poor drainage, faded road markings, and lack of lighting. These conditions increase risks for drivers, especially at night or in bad weather, and need urgent repair.

Additionally, LoDDCA appealed to transport companies to be responsible in setting operational targets. They warned that unrealistic demands often push drivers into risky behaviors like overwork and fatigue, which contribute to fatal crashes. “A safe driver is not just a business asset but a custodian of lives,” the association said, reaffirming its commitment to work with stakeholders to make every trip on Kenya’s roads safe.