CS Chirchir: Bad roads, driver behaviour to blame for fatal August road crashes

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. [File, Standard]

An investigation into the fatal road crashes in August 2025 has identified road infrastructure, driver behaviour, and unroadworthy vehicles as the leading causes of deaths and injuries on Kenyan roads.

According to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, although various crash investigation reports have established different causes of the recent crashes, especially on major highways, the three emerged at the top.

“These reports underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in the Road Transport Sector to reduce and ultimately prevent fatalities on our roads,” said Chirchir.

 “The findings highlight three critical contributors to road crashes and fatalities: Road Infrastructure. Driver Behavior, and the Mechanical Condition of Vehicles,” he added.

About 50 people have died in road accidents since the start of August, including 27 people who died at the Coptic Roundabout in Kisumu when an AIC Naki High School bus rolled into a ditch on August 8.

The new wave of crashes has sparked fears over the safety of students on the roads as schools reopen for the third term.

However, CS Chirchir has assured that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is in the process of implementing some of the recommendations in the reports and has embarked on road safety awareness campaigns.

At the same time, the authority is expected to improve accident blackspots and ensure all vehicles are inspected for fitness to be used on the roads.

“As schools reopen nationwide, drivers and motorcyclists are asked to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and appropriately licensed to operate. Be cautious on the road and especially of children crossing roads, refrain from honking, drive slowly, and maintain safe speeds around educational institutions,” Chirchir stated.