Terror on the roads and 398 are killed in 30 Days of January
The country recorded 398 road traffic deaths between January 1 and January 30, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the 358 fatalities reported during the same period last year, according to the National Police Service (NPS). The figures point to a worsening road safety situation at the start of 2026.
Data from the NPS Traffic Department shows that 854 accidents were reported in January 2026, slightly higher than the 850 crashes recorded in January 2025. The total number of victims rose to 2,032, representing an 8 per cent increase from last year. Police say the trend underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and greater responsibility among all road users.
Speaking on NTV’s Fixing the Nation, NPS Traffic Department liaison officer Boniface Otieno said the surge in fatalities was deeply concerning, prompting intensified enforcement efforts. He noted that vulnerable road users continue to bear the brunt of road carnage.
Pedestrians were the most affected, accounting for 143 deaths, followed by motorcyclists with 102 fatalities. Passengers recorded 77 deaths, while 38 drivers lost their lives. Pillion passengers and cyclists made up the remaining fatalities. According to Otieno, pedestrians and motorcyclists consistently account for the majority of deaths, a trend mirrored in National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) data.
NTSA analysis shows that pedestrians alone represented 36–37 per cent of all road fatalities in 2025, while pedestrians, motorcyclists and pillion riders collectively formed the largest share of victims. The authority identifies human error as the leading cause of crashes, particularly speeding, dangerous overtaking, lane indiscipline and loss of vehicle control.
Other contributing factors include poor road design, unsafe pedestrian crossings, misuse of footpaths, ignoring traffic signals and vehicle mechanical failures. High-risk corridors such as Thika Superhighway and Mombasa Road frequently record violations, especially during peak hours.
To curb the rising deaths, authorities are urging motorists to respect traffic rules and pedestrian spaces, while rolling out enhanced enforcement measures, including unique identification systems for motorists and boda boda riders, aimed at improving accountability and compliance on Kenyan roads.
