President William Ruto has disclosed that 5,009 Kenyans lost their lives in road accidents last year, marking a rise of 261 deaths compared to 2024.
Speaking on Monday, March 2, during the presentation of a report by the National Council on the Administration of Justice on traffic accidents and fatalities, the Head of State described the figures as deeply concerning, noting that Kenya consistently records more than 4,000 road deaths annually.
Ruto went on to highlight the heavy economic burden caused by road crashes, stating that accidents and related injuries account for losses equivalent to about five per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, translating to hundreds of billions of shillings each year.
Kenya Records Over 5,000 Road Deaths in a Year. Photo: Courtesy.
He also described the 2025 festive season as particularly tragic, revealing that hundreds of lives were lost during the period, reflecting a sharp increase compared to the previous year.
Despite the grim statistics, the Head of State acknowledged that targeted enforcement measures introduced over the holidays had begun to yield positive results.
He pointed to a notable reduction in fatalities involving Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) following the intensified crackdown.
Ruto noted that the deployment of additional prosecutors, officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and personnel from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) significantly strengthened enforcement efforts and improved compliance on the roads.
Addressing the root causes of road carnage, President Ruto highlighted a wide range of factors affecting motorists, operators, and pedestrians.
He cited reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, inadequate driver training, unlicensed riding, unroadworthy vehicles, counterfeit spare parts, and unsafe road design as major contributors.
The Head of State also noted the heightened vulnerability of pedestrians and motorcyclists, alongside economic pressures facing PSV operators that often encourage risky behaviour.
Ruto further observed that systemic weaknesses within the justice system continue to hinder effective enforcement and accountability in traffic-related offences.
