Wananchi Opinion: A Nation Bleeding on Its Roads

A 14-seater matatu and a lorry ferrying logs were yesterday involved in an accident along the Nyeri-Mweiga Road -- killing 15 people.

Reports indicate that the lorry was trying to avoid ramming a cyclist.

Did you know that over 5,000 people lost their lives on our roads in 2025 alone, surpassing the 2024 numbers?

These deaths were caused due to a number of factors; speeding, drunk driving, and poor enforcement of the law.

Most of those who died on the roads in 2025 were young, productive individuals. Many others have been left nursing serious injuries, forever altering life as they had known it.

Thousands of parents lost sons and daughters, young men and women widowed – and many children orphaned.

According to reports, road accidents cost the Kenyan economy approximately 5% of its GDP, translating to over Ksh450 billion annually.

The shocking numbers have forced President William Ruto to order the immediate rollout of speed cameras to help contain the situation, but this is not enough.

Kenyans need to change their attitude and behaviour on the road.

Many people have turned the roads into playground; showing off to pedestrians and other road users, not realising that they are endangering their lives and those of other road users.

Did you know that more than 390 people were reported to have died on the Kenyan roads in the first month of 2026 alone?

It is sad to note than many people who are today reading this article, will soon be part of these jaw-dropping statistics, if nothing is done.

The National Road Safety Action Plan (2024–2028) is looking to reduce road deaths by 50%.

This they intend to do though improved infrastructure, better enforcement of the law, and public education. 

These are good initiatives, however, let’s all remember that speed kills, period. Stop 'playing' on the road, stop carelessness on the road.