Kenyans have been urged to strictly observe traffic rules during the December festive season and the January back‑to‑school period, as authorities move to curb rising road accidents.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has cautioned motorists and motorcyclists against speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and operating unroadworthy vehicles, warning that road usage surges during the holiday season.
Speaking in Kericho town, NTSA Rift Valley Regional Manager Ascar David stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and urged all road users to prioritize life over speed.
“Most road accidents are avoidable if traffic rules are followed. We are urging all road users to value life and observe the law,” she said.
David revealed that NTSA, working with the National Police Service and the County Transport and Safety Committee, has intensified patrols, roadside inspections, and public sensitization programmes. The focus is on curbing speeding, alcohol‑impaired driving, and ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Kericho County recorded 83 road fatalities between January and October 2025, prompting the stepped‑up enforcement. David said the operations are guided by the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028, which emphasizes risk‑based sensitization and deterrence enforcement to reduce deaths and serious injuries.
She added that NTSA is conducting targeted awareness campaigns in schools, towns, and along major highways to educate drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on helmet and seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, and proper vehicle maintenance. County authorities are also monitoring public service vehicles (PSVs) to ensure drivers hold valid licenses, vehicles are roadworthy, and loading limits are observed.
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David reiterated that reversing the trend requires personal accountability.“Safety begins with every individual on the road. Let us all commit to disciplined and defensive driving so that everyone gets home safely,” she said.
Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru assured residents that security has been heightened during the festive season, with increased police presence on roads, in towns, and public spaces to enhance safety and deter crime. He said joint patrols involving NTSA officers, police, and local administrators are underway to enforce compliance and ensure swift response to emergencies.
According to NTSA statistics, Kenya recorded 21,042 road crash victims between January 1 and November 13, 2025. The figure includes 4,195 fatalities, 9,888 serious injuries, and 6,959 minor injuries, representing a 2.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. While pedestrian deaths slightly declined, fatalities among drivers, motorcycle pillion passengers, and bodaboda riders rose by 8.67 percent, 15.13 percent, and 9.15 percent respectively.
NTSA says it has intensified nationwide operations by deploying additional patrols, conducting vehicle inspections, monitoring PSVs, and rolling out extensive road safety education campaigns along major highways and in urban centres.
By Kimutai Langat
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