(Nairobi) – As December ushers in the Christmas and New Year festivities, Kenya’s roads become busier and more dangerous. The holiday season often sees an increase in road accidents, with over 300 fatalities reported during this period in 2023 alone. Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), known for speeding and overloading to maximize profits, contribute significantly to these accidents.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and traffic police have highlighted the most dangerous roads across Kenya, urging travelers to remain vigilant. According to NTSA, road fatalities rose from 20,191 in 2023 to 21,620 as of November 30, 2024.
The Rift Valley region has the highest number of high-risk areas, with 13 identified accident hotspots. The Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, infamously nicknamed the “Highway of Death,” leads with 42 fatalities reported since January 2024.
Major Accident Hotspots in Kenya
| Region | Dangerous Roads/Hotspots | Fatalities (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rift Valley | Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret, Salgaa (Ngata to Sachangwan), Mau Summit-Londiani, Timboroa-Makutano, Bomet-Narok | 42 (Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret) |
| Nairobi | Thika Road, Outering Road, Kangundo Road, Waiyaki Way, Eastern Bypass, Northern Bypass | 13 (Thika Road) |
| Mt. Kenya | Nithi Bridge (Meru-Embu), Nyeri-Narumoru, Kiambu-Muthaiga, Makutano-Embu | High fatality risk |
| Western & Nyanza | Kisumu-Kericho (Awasi), Kakamega-Chavakali (Kaburengu), Kisumu-Kakamega (Kiboswa) | 10 (Kaburengu crash) |
| Coast | Mombasa-Nairobi (Voi-Maungu, Mazeras-Miritini), Lunga Lunga-Likoni | High fatality risk |
| Eastern | Machakos-Wamunyu, Namanga Road, Mlolongo Club Area | High fatality risk |
Key Danger Zones
Salgaa, a notorious stretch on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, recorded a tragic crash in August 2024, claiming 13 lives. Other high-risk areas include Karai near Naivasha, Kinungi-Naivasha, and Gilgil-Kikopey. On the Narok-Maai Mahiu Road, the Pinyiny Hills have seen multiple accidents this year.
In Nairobi, Thika Superhighway stands out as a top accident zone, with 13 deaths between January and April 2024. Outering and Kangundo Roads are also perilous, particularly for pedestrians crossing without using footbridges.
In the Mt. Kenya region, the Nithi Bridge along the Meru-Embu Road remains a death trap, while Limuru-Uplands and Sagana Bridge areas have also reported numerous accidents.
The Western and Nyanza regions feature deadly spots like Kaburengu, where a fuel tanker crash killed 10 people in November 2024. In the coastal region, sections of the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway, including Voi-Maungu and Mazeras-Miritini, pose high risks.
Causes and Warnings
According to NTSA, many accidents result from speeding, reckless driving, and poor road infrastructure. Authorities are urging drivers to adhere to speed limits and exercise caution, especially during the busy holiday season.
Estimated Accident Costs
| Expense Type | Cost (KES) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Funeral Cost | 100,000 KES | $700 |
| Vehicle Damage Repairs | 200,000 KES | $1,400 |
| Hospitalization Costs | 300,000 KES | $2,100 |
Road Safety Advice
- Plan Ahead: Avoid traveling at night or during peak traffic hours.
- Adhere to Rules: Observe speed limits and use seat belts.
- Pedestrian Safety: Always use designated crossings and footbridges.
