Written by Lisa Murimi
Road fatalities in Kenya rose sharply in 2024, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reporting 4,748 deaths, an increase of 424 from 2023.Â
Saturdays and evening hours between 7 pm and 8 pm were identified as the deadliest times for road users.
Saturdays accounted for 855 deaths, up from 782 in 2023, while Sundays and Mondays also saw alarming increases.
The NTSA attributed these trends to high traffic volumes and risky driving behaviors such as speeding and drunk driving during weekends and the start of the work week.
Men continued to dominate fatality statistics, with 4,035 deaths compared to 713 women. The disparity was linked to higher rates of motorcycle usage and risky driving habits among men.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of fatal accidents, with Outering Road, Thika Superhighway, and Waiyaki Way among the most dangerous.
The Rift Valley region was identified as having the most blackspots, including the notorious Salgaa stretch, which claimed 42 lives in 2024 alone.
To curb the rising fatalities, the NTSA emphasized the need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness campaigns targeting risky driving behaviors.
Authorities also plan to increase patrols in high-risk areas to reduce further tragedies.
