Kenya risks missing road safety targets as fatalities rise

Staff from BAT receive an award from Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, during the 1st AA Road Safety excellence awards in Nairobi. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Kenya risks missing its targets to cut road crash deaths as fatalities continue to rise, with more than 4,700 people killed on the roads in 2024, according to official data. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reported 3,581 fatalities between June 2024 and March 2025, a 10 per cent increase from the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for effective action to reduce crashes. "We need all your support to change the current trajectory and save lives on our roads," noted George Njao, Director General of NTSA. Amid these concerns, the Automobile Association of Kenya organised the country's first Road Safety Excellence Awards in Nairobi last week to recognise schools, SACCOs and companies taking practical steps to reduce crashes. Francis Theuri, Group Managing Director of AA Kenya, explained that the awards are meant to encourage action across all sectors. "Road safety is everyone's responsibility, and these awards are about recognising those who are already taking action to save lives," observed Theuri. The awards evaluated hundreds of entries from schools, SACCOs and corporations based on evidence such as reports, data and testimonials to determine their impact on road safety. The event was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Traffic Commandant Fredrick Ochieng and representatives from the Kenya Police Service, lending support to the call for safer roads. The awards align with the National Road Safety Action Plan and the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which seek to lower fatalities through education, enforcement and safer road designs. Jinaro Kibet, President of AA Kenya and of the African Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs, remarked that local initiatives are crucial in reducing deaths. "These awards are a strategic contribution to building safer roads," noted Kibet. Timothy Keli, Director of Mobility Services at AA Kenya, pointed out that while the country has made progress in road safety, more work remains. "Every statistic has a face and every number a name. This ceremony is not the finish line but a launchpad for the next era of Kenyan road safety," explained Keli. Those recognised at the awards included the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kangaroo SACCO, Kenya Breweries, Bamburi Cement and British American Tobacco for initiatives such as driver monitoring, safety training, wellness programmes and helmet enforcement. Individuals like engineer Mary Abungu and Kevin Mubadi were also honoured for grassroots safety campaigns.

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Kenya risks missing road safety targets as fatalities rise

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