A Nation Mourns: Unpacking Kenya's Alarming Surge in Road Tragedies and the Battle for Accountability

Over 80 lives lost in five days, an escalating death toll, and a public grappling with grief. This blog delves into Kenya's recent road tragedies, examining the government's response and the sharp criticism from the Motorists Association of Kenya on the true causes of this devastating crisis.

Pauline Afande
August 14, 2025

Ena Coach Involved in an Accident that Claimed Two Lives. Photo Courtesy

In a span of just five agonizing days, Kenyan roads have become scenes of heart-wrenching loss, claiming over 80 lives and leaving a nation reeling in shock and grief. This alarming surge in traffic fatalities has not only brought immense sorrow to countless families but has also ignited a fierce debate about the root causes of these preventable tragedies and the accountability of the very institutions tasked with ensuring public safety.
The wave of devastation began with a horrific incident on the Kisumu–Kakamega Highway. A bus, ferrying mourners from a burial ceremony, tragically overturned at the notorious Coptic blackspot while attempting to navigate a corner. The initial death toll of 25 quickly climbed to 26 after one of the critically injured passengers succumbed to their injuries. Among the deceased were 10 men, 10 women, and an eight-month-old baby, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these accidents. Twenty-eight other injured individuals are still receiving treatment, with many awaiting crucial surgeries, while families grapple with the sudden void left by their loved ones. The government has stepped in, pledging to cover all medical and burial expenses, a small comfort in the face of such profound loss.
The tragedy in Kisumu was swiftly followed by a cascade of other fatal incidents across the country:
  • Korompoi, Kitengela: Seven lives were abruptly cut short in the early hours of a Saturday morning near Kitengela, along the Nairobi–Namanga highway. The grisly head-on collision involved a Nailepu Sacco matatu and a lorry, painting a stark picture of the dangers on Kenya's busy thoroughfares.
  • Embu-Meru Highway: A family was shattered at Kairungu area when a car struck and killed two sisters, aged 19 and 13, emphasizing the vulnerability of pedestrians and the need for heightened vigilance.
  • Kisii's Daraja Mbili Market: Chaos erupted in Kisii when a lorry lost control, ramming into stationary vehicles and motorbikes at Daraja Mbili Market, resulting in two fatalities and leaving eleven others injured. Such incidents underscore the hazards posed by commercial vehicles in densely populated areas.
  • Aviation Tragedy: The crisis extended beyond roads, as six people, including four aircraft occupants and two residents in a house, perished when an aircraft crashed in a residential area. This incident, while not road-related, added to the national mood of despair over recent fatal accidents.
  • Ena Coach Incident: The tragic toll continued with an Ena Coach bus overturning near the Escarpment after being hit by a truck, claiming the lives of a woman and a minor, and leaving several other passengers injured.
The Blame Game: Government vs. Motorists
The shocking statistic of 80 lives lost in just five days has inevitably led to questions and accusations. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, addressing the media on Monday, asserted that road crashes are "preventable if all road users play their part." His ministry has launched "safety audits" and inspections at accident-prone road segments, promising to identify hazards, reconstruct crash scenes, and propose technical recommendations within seven days. Chirchir also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen road safety legislation, including reforms in school transport, commercial vehicle operations, and vehicle inspection.
However, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has vehemently rejected this narrative, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of government agencies. In a sharply worded statement, MAK accused the government of orchestrating "knee-jerk PR stunts" that fail to address the systemic failures within state institutions. They argue that agencies like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) are doing little to address critical road safety concerns, instead perpetuating a cycle of corruption and negligence.
MAK's accusations are severe and wide-ranging:
  • "Protection Money" and Overlooked Violations: They allege that state agencies accept "protection money" to overlook blatant violations of traffic laws and regulations, effectively enabling dangerous practices on the roads.
  • Incompetent Licensing and Sham Inspections: MAK points to investigations, including a BBC exposé, that revealed how driving licenses are allegedly obtained through NTSA and driving schools without the required skills or genuine testing. Furthermore, they claim that many commercial vehicles never undergo proper, genuine inspection, with officials taking bribes to issue clearances during "sham" road and vehicle inspections.
  • Extortion by Law Enforcers: The association cited a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) which indicated that law enforcers extort motorists to the tune of KSh 3 billion every month, creating an environment where impunity thrives.
  • Poor Infrastructural Design: Beyond human and regulatory failures, MAK also faults the Ministry of Roads for its inaction on poorly designed infrastructure, specifically citing the Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu, a known blackspot. They also named other accident-prone roads in areas like Ruiru, Mutindwa, Moredat, and Dandora, which continue to witness fatal accidents despite the recurrent costs for routine fixes and maintenance.
The Path to Safer Roads: Accountability and Action
The stark contrast between the government’s narrative of individual responsibility and MAK's accusations of systemic corruption and negligence demands urgent attention. While individual road user behavior is undeniably a factor, the persistent nature of these tragedies suggests deeper, structural issues that need addressing.
For Kenya to truly curb its escalating road fatalities, there must be a shift from reactive measures to proactive, transparent, and accountable governance. This includes:
  • Tackling Corruption: A concerted effort to eliminate corruption within NTSA, the police force, and road agencies is paramount.
  • Enforcing Regulations: Strict and consistent enforcement of traffic laws, licensing procedures, and vehicle inspection standards, without compromise.
  • Investing in Safe Infrastructure: Prioritizing the redesign and maintenance of known blackspots and dangerous road segments.
  • Public Education and Awareness: While vital, these campaigns must be coupled with visible and effective enforcement to instill a culture of road safety.
The lives lost in these recent tragedies are a somber reminder of the urgent need for genuine reform. The citizens of Kenya deserve roads that are not death traps, and this can only be achieved when all stakeholders—especially those in positions of power—prioritize safety over complacency and accountability over blame.

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