On September 28, what should have been a simple family visit to a sick relative in Solai, Nakuru County, turned into a national tragedy.
Fourteen members of one family died instantly when their matatu collided head-on with a lorry along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Two more later succumbed to injuries in hospital, raising the death toll to 16.
The images that circulated online were harrowing. A video clip showed the ill-fated 14-seater matatu attempting a reckless overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the oncoming lorry at Kariandusi. Twisted metal, anguished cries, and lifeless bodies told a story that has become all too familiar in Kenya.
This tragedy follows a series of similarly horrific accidents: an ambulance crash on the same highway that killed six; a Kisumu school bus overturning that claimed more than 20 lives; and multiple collisions in Kisii, Kitengela, and Busia.
In August alone, 139 people lost their lives on Kenyan roads. This is no longer a matter of misfortune-it is a full-blown crisis.
Systemic failures
The ongoing carnage, particularly along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, has alarmed stakeholders who continue to cite poor road designs, lack of signage, inadequately trained drivers, and widespread corruption as the root causes.
The Road Safety Association of Kenya has called on the government to suspend licences issued in recent years, claiming many were obtained without proper driver training.
The association believes this would be the first step in restoring order to the roads, where numerous drivers are believed to hold licences acquired through corrupt means.
"We want those licences cancelled and the drivers taken back to driving school, because 80 per cent of the licences issued over the past six years are bogus," said the association's national chairman, David Kiarie.
He added that road accident fatalities have become too frequent, yet no meaningful action is being taken to reverse the worrying trend.
"It is time the government stopped paying lip service to road safety. We want those responsible to treat this issue seriously," Kiarie added.
To address the crisis, the association is proposing the creation of a special unit dedicated to reviewing road designs across the country. They argue that poorly designed roads are a major contributor to accidents.
Among their proposals is the appointment of an overall engineer within the Ministry of Transport to supervise all road constructions, designs, and signage installations.
According to Kiarie, although some roads are constructed by county governments, final approval should come from the Ministry's engineering department. This would ensure accountability whenever issues arise.
"It's always easy to blame motorists-and often, that's valid-but in a court of law, responsibility is shared across agencies," he stated.
Danger zones
Over the years, road safety authorities and stakeholders, including AA Kenya, have identified notorious blackspots across the country. Among the deadliest are the Nithi Bridge and the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road.
Other high-risk areas, include Kinungi, Salgaa, Timborao-Burnt Forest, Chepsir-Kipkelion junction, Nanyuki-Isiolo junction, Kamatira in West Pokot, Kericho-Litein and Kericho-Kaitui sections, and the Wiyumiririe area along the Nyeri-Nyahururu road.
In August 2025, National Traffic Commandant Fredrick Ochieng attributed the high number of accidents to poor road design, lack of signage in key areas, and human error.
"The increase in traffic has contributed, but most cases arise from speeding, which results in driver error," said Ochieng.
He added: "In some areas, road contractors fail to install proper signage, such as speed limit signs, which are crucial for safe driving."
Despite the challenges, Ochieng said the traffic department has mapped out known hotspots and stationed officers at these locations. Speed guns are used to curb speeding, and alcoblow units are deployed to deal with intoxicated drivers for prosecution.
The inspection of unroadworthy vehicles, he noted, falls under the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Other initiatives include regular road safety sensitisation sessions for public transport operators and boda boda riders.
Corruption crisis
In addition to poor road design, corruption has long been cited as a key factor in Kenya's road carnage.
Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) chairman Dickson Mbugua recently criticised the extent of corruption and called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take firm action against errant officers. "Whether you're driving or a passenger, you hold your breath until you arrive safely. There are too many checkpoints focused on collecting bribes, not saving lives," said Mbugua.
A veteran of the matatu industry since 1972, Mbugua said there is a deep lack of ethics on the roads, where many drivers lack basic skills, knowledge, and courtesy.
"Everyone-from road users to law enforcement-must execute their duties diligently and responsibly," he urged.
Neglected signage
Poor or missing road signage is another major concern. Mbugua questioned why there is little urgency to replace damaged or vandalised signs, which are vital for road user awareness and safety.
"When it comes to enforcement, that's where the big problem lies-corruption. It has become endemic. Everyone wants to make money, even if it costs lives," he said.
He added that some drivers operate without valid licences or with unroadworthy vehicles after bribing their way past authorities.
"That's the elephant in the room. From my experience, that's the biggest reason we keep having these tragedies on our roads," Mbugua noted.
He also warned drivers against speeding on unfamiliar roads.
"Don't speed because you're late or just for the thrill. You must be cautious-especially when you don't know the terrain."