Poor roads, reckless driving, and unroadworthy vehicles blamed for August fatalities

Deadly road crashes recorded in August have been blamed on poor road infrastructure, reckless drivers, and unroadworthy vehicles, according to a government investigation.

A multi-agency team tasked with probing the incidents found the three issues to be the most consistent contributors to fatalities and injuries, especially along busy highways.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said that despite various reports citing different factors, these three stood out as the root causes.

“These reports underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in the Road Transport Sector to reduce and ultimately prevent fatalities on our roads. The findings highlight three critical contributors to road crashes and fatalities: Road Infrastructure, driver behaviour, and the mechanical condition of vehicles,” he said.

Since the start of August, at least 80 people have lost their lives in road accidents, among them 27 victims of the August 8 crash at the Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu, where an AIC Naki High School bus rolled into a ditch.

Chirchir revealed that from January to August 10, 2025, a total of 2,933 fatalities had been reported across the country.

The growing number of accidents has sparked concerns about the safety of learners ahead of the third-term school reopening on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Chirchir said the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other agencies had already begun implementing recommendations from the investigations.

These measures include upgrading dangerous road sections, tightening enforcement of KS 372:2019 standards on passenger vehicle body construction, strengthening vehicle inspections, and intensifying education and enforcement campaigns.

He added that vehicle inspection would be more stringent to ensure only roadworthy vehicles are cleared for use.

“As schools reopen nationwide, drivers and motorcyclists are asked to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and appropriately licensed to operate. Be cautious on the road and especially of children crossing roads, refrain from honking, drive slowly and maintain safe speeds around educational institutions,” Chirchir said.

The CS also appealed to pedestrians to take greater caution when near roads.

“We also urge pedestrians to be very careful near roads, as your safety must come first. Always use designated crossings, avoid distractions such as phones, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with partners in the transport sector to make the roads safer.

NTSA has maintained that vehicles carrying school children must undergo proper servicing to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and side mirrors are functioning.

Only vehicles that meet the standards will be cleared to transport learners.

The authority stressed that all vehicles must hold valid inspection certificates, road service licenses, and insurance cover.

In addition, public service vehicles must be fitted with speed limiters linked to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS), which allows NTSA to monitor compliance in real time.

Drivers and conductors are also required to have valid licenses and PSV badges.

The checklist further requires that all children on board wear seat belts, vehicles must not exceed passenger limits, and no child should extend their body outside the vehicle.

NTSA also directed operators to report any child suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol to relevant authorities.