5,009 lives lost in 2025 road carnage, NTSA warns of holiday season

Speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Grounds in Kisumu County, where the national event was held, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General Eng. Nashon Kondiwa revealed that 5,009 people died in road crashes across the country in 2025, while 19,896 others were seriously injured in 11,638 recorded crashes.

Notably, 73 per cent of the victims were vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists and passengers.

The NTSA boss also warned that the country is entering its most hazardous period on the roads, citing increased traffic during the November-December holiday season.

"We are entering the most critical moment of busy traffic on our highways in November and December due to the holiday rush. We appeal to road users to please observe traffic rules to prevent road accidents during this time," he urged.

As noted by Traffic Commandant, Benjamin Mwathi during the event, Bodaboda pillion riders and passengers account for the highest number of accident victims.

“Our roads should not be highways for competition… bodaboda pillion riders and passengers account for highest accident victims. Road Safety must be a collective responsibility bringing in all stakeholders with an aim of saving lives and injuries,” noted Mwanthi.

Also speaking at the event, the State Department for Transport Board Member, Pius Muchai urged road users to embrace discipline and personal responsibility, noting that enforcement alone cannot end the carnage on Kenyan roads.

"Let us avoid speeding and drunk driving, and let us observe road discipline. Every life is important and must not be lost," said Muchai, representing the Ministry of Transport.

The event, held under the theme of remembrance and reflection, honoured the thousands of lives lost and families devastated by road traffic crashes each year.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed annually on the third Sunday of November, provides an opportunity to remember those killed and injured in road crashes, acknowledge the grief of their families and renew commitments to preventing further loss of life on the world's roads.

The Kisumu commemoration brought together national and county government officials, road safety stakeholders, victims' families and members of the public, all united in the call for safer roads and a culture of responsibility on Kenya's highways.