NTSA kicks off comprehensive festive season road safety campaign

By George Morara

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is calling on collaborative efforts from all Kenyans, especially active road users to turn the tide on motor vehicle-related fatalities, in the process safeguard policy progress made recently.

This is after the country saw road fatalities go up by 85 from 3, 805 to 3, 890 the same period last year between January 1 to October 25.

From January 1 to October 22, 2025, Kenya recorded 3,890 road fatalities, compared to 3,805 during the same period in 2024. The deaths include 1,460 pedestrians, 351 drivers, 378 pillion passengers, 57 pedal cyclists, and 1,000 motorcyclists.

Subsequently, acting director general, NTSA, Angela Wanjira said on Sunday when the country came together to remember, those who have perished in the road accidents, and praying with the families.

“Working together, we can turn this season into a model for Vision Zero, ensuring Kenyans arrive home safely. Remember the best gift this festive season is arriving alive,” she said in Eldoret.

Kenya has a goal goal, to reduce road fatalities by at least 50 percent by 2030. This is in line with the Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

But according to Wanjira, it must be remembered that as the festive season approaches, there’s increased movement on the roads that call for high discipline among users. The festive season also come with heightened risk on the roads.

“We appeal to all motorists and riders to observe speed limits, avoid overloading, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“I take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders across the country for their continued collaboration and dedication. I urge others to join us in addressing the challenges presented by our roads. With your support, we can achieve the 50% reduction goal,” she made an appeal.

Wanjira noted that behind crash statistics, are stories of individuals with dreams, families, and communities left devastated.

To safeguard some of the progress made so far in adopting the safe systems approach, NTSA shall; collaborate with the National Police Service (NPS) to intensify targeted, multi-agency strategies emphasizing prevention over reaction.

The Authority she said will enforce data transmission for real-time monitoring of PSVs and commercial fleets, and also localize road safety awareness drives.

“We are also going to expand the Usalama Barabarani programme to focus on seat belt usage, speed and fatigue management, besides empowering passengers to report traffic violations such as speeding, drink driving, dangerous overtaking among others,” Wanjira said this will be done through education at the bus terminus.

As part of a wider road safety campaign during this festive season, the NTSA is also launching free pre-festive inspection clinics at various bus termini, and re-test drivers flagged via the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).

The Authority says those captured during enforcement initiatives, should ascertain their competencies, and through what NTSA calls safe road users, the Authority has intensified the Usalama Barabarani programme by training and creating awareness to reduce risky behaviours like speeding, drink driving, helmet non-use.

“This is aimed at promoting attitude and behaviour change among drivers, boda boda riders, public transport operators, heavy commercial vehicle operators, school transport operators and pedestrians,” she noted.

The Authority is also collaborating with the National Police Service (NPS), and this has led to increased enforcement to curb speeding, drink-driving, and non-compliance with vehicle safety standards.

Speed, Wanjira said, remains a major concern on the roads, and NTSA is working with road agencies, County Transport and Safety Committees (CTSCs) and NPS to enforce appropriate limits.

“While enforcing our mandated with the implementation of the KS 2295:2018 standards for speed limiters on all public service vehicles (PSVs) and heavy commercial vehicles, we have analyzed over 3,000 vehicles and established several violations touching on vehicle road worthiness, speeding, license validity, among others and subsequently took action,” she revealed data captured on the NTSA’s motor vehicle inspection process and monitoring Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).

Some of these actions, she said, include compliance inspection of vehicles, re-testing of drivers, and suspension of licenses among others.

Wanjira is also advocating for the re-designing of the country’s roads to prevent errors and protect users, especially vulnerable ones like pedestrians and cyclists, calling on the County Transport and Safety Committees to integrate road safety into development plans, improving pedestrian walkways, signage, and blackspot within the counties.

Also, to enhance safety, she said that all vehicles should incorporate crash-avoidance technologies and meet fitness standards to protect the driver and passengers.

“NTSA’s vehicle inspection regime has been strengthened, requiring all PSVs and commercial vehicles to undergo annual inspection with emphasis on the functionality of the speed limiters, brakes, tires, among other safety features,” Wanjira said.

Post-Crash Care, she noted, is considered a key effort in trying to save lives during accidents, and with the support of the Ministry of Health, NTSA focusing on prevention, rapid and timely response for medical aid and rehabilitation through partnerships with emergency service providers and health institutions.