Over 270 black spots identified as NTSA explains rising road deaths

The authority, which is mandated to implement policies relating to road transport and safety, says responsibility for road crashes extends beyond vehicle regulation and enforcement, arguing that several factors contribute to fatalities.

NTSA Director of Road Safety Dr. Andrew Kipalgat acknowledged that the continued loss of lives on Kenyan roads remains a major concern for the authority despite years of road safety campaigns and enforcement operations.

“The question you're asking is the question that is keeping us on our toes every day. NTSA exists to bring the numbers down,” Kipalgat said.

“My job as NTSA Director of Road Safety is, so long as the numbers are going up, we are actually not at peace, and our job every day is what do we do to bring this number down.”

More than 3,000 Kenyans have consistently lost their lives in road crashes annually despite interventions ranging from vehicle inspections and enforcement operations to public awareness campaigns.

According to NTSA, vehicle-related factors account for about 17 per cent of road crashes, with the authority arguing that determining responsibility requires examining the vehicle, road infrastructure, road user behaviour and emergency response following a crash.

“When a crash happens, then you ask yourselves these questions: What was the issue with the vehicle? What was the issue with the road? What was the issue with the road user? And what was the issue with the post-crash?” Kipalgat said.

“If you're able to answer those questions, then I think this question of responsibility will come out clear.”

The authority has identified more than 270 road crash black spots across the country, 199 of which are located along the Mombasa-Malaba Northern Corridor.

Kipalgat also pointed to the condition and design of some roads, citing the Salama section of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where a recent crash claimed several lives.

He argued that dualling the highway could reduce the risk posed to motorists travelling in opposite directions.

“Salama, for example, if the road was dualled, then the vehicles on the other side would have been safer, because actually the people who suffered are the people who were on the other side of the road,” he said.

NTSA says it has stepped up enforcement measures, particularly targeting violations associated with crashes occurring at night.

According to the authority, 25 drivers have had their licences suspended over the past three months, while 20 matatu SACCOs have been summoned after their vehicles were flagged for violating traffic regulations.

More than 2,400 vehicles have also been impounded during the same period.

The interventions come amid persistent concerns over road safety, with unroadworthy vehicles, unlicensed drivers, speeding, overlapping and other traffic violations remaining common on Kenyan roads despite enforcement efforts.