287 people killed in accidents in 20 days this year, police say
At least 287 people were killed in the first 20 days of January 2026, statistics show.
This is an increase by 11 people as compared to the 276 people who had died in the same period in 2025.
Police statistics show there were 99 pedestrians, 30 drivers, 61 passengers, 24 pillion passengers, six pedal cyclists and 67 motorcyclists who were killed in separate accidents between January 1 and 20, 2026.
In the same period in 2025, 88 pedestrians, 16 drivers, 59 passengers, 28 pillion passengers, three pedal passengers and 82 motorcyclists were killed in separate accidents.
In the January 2026 period, there were 660 people who were left with serious injuries as compared to the 639 of 2025, the police said adding 471 were slightly wounded in the January 2026 period as compared to the 477 of 2025.
The victims are nursing wounds in various hospitals and it is an expense to the friends and families.
Police termed the accidents alarming and urged all concerned parties to be careful on the roads.
On January 20, 2026 alone, ten people were killed in separate accidents in the country. They included three passengers, three riders, two pedestrians and two drivers, police said.
There were 29 people were seriously injured and included 12 passengers, six riders, four pedestrians, three drivers and three pillion passengers.
The injured are nursing wounds in hospitals.
Fatal accidents have been on the rise amid efforts to address the menace. The accidents leave a huge dent in families who are left with bills to cover.
On January 5, 2026, ten people died after a bus belonging to Greenline Company collided head with a 14 seater matatu at Kayole in Naivasha.
On January 3, 2026, six people died on the spot while nine people were injured after a trailer rammed a matatu and another stationary trailer at Kekopey area in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Fatal accidents have been on the rise amid efforts to address them. Officials say some of the accidents are avoidable and caused by human errors.
There is a campaign to address the accident menace in the country. Close to 5,000 people were killed in separate accidents in 2025.
Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents across the country, continuing to claim lives despite sustained public safety campaigns by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes. In addition to driver negligence, poor road conditions such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting make travel increasingly hazardous, particularly at night.