NTSA: 25 People Killed in Road Accidents on December 23

At least 25 people lost their lives in road accidents across the country on December 23, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said.

In a statement issued on December 24, NTSA reported that 16 fatal crashes were recorded in different parts of the country, leading to the deaths. Most of the victims were pedestrians and passengers, with eight deaths recorded in each group. Five motorcyclists, three pillion passengers and one driver were also killed.

“We regret to confirm that fatal road traffic crashes have been reported across various parts of the country, including Kakamega, Bungoma, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu counties,” the statement read.

NTSA sent its condolences to families that lost loved ones and wished a quick recovery to those who were injured. The authority said road safety remains a top priority, especially during the festive season.

“As the nation celebrates the festive season, we reaffirm that road safety remains our top priority. We have deployed all available resources and are currently implementing every necessary measure to safeguard lives on our roads,” NTSA said.

The authority revealed that over the past four days, multi-agency enforcement teams identified 1,702 traffic violations involving private vehicles, public service vehicles and commercial transport. A total of 42 drivers were arrested, while 418 vehicles were flagged as non-compliant.

NTSA urged all road users to be cautious. “As enforcement initiatives intensify, we urge drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists to exercise extreme caution, use the road responsibly, and strictly adhere to traffic rules,” the statement added.

One of the deadliest accidents occurred at Mukhonje in Lugari along the Eldoret–Webuye highway, where at least eight people were killed after a matatu rammed into a stationary lorry. Police said the crash happened on the night of Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the lorry had stalled on the road due to mechanical problems and may not have placed warning signs for other motorists. The matatu, which was reportedly speeding, crashed into it. Seven people died on the spot, while others succumbed later. At least five passengers were injured and taken to hospital.

The lorry was carrying bags of fertilizer, which locals later looted after the accident. Police said the lorry crew fled the scene.

The December 23 deaths came just a day after 18 people were killed in separate road accidents across the country. Police said this pushed the number of road deaths this year to more than 4,500.

Of those killed on Tuesday, eight were passengers, four were pedestrians, three were riders, two were pillion passengers and one was a driver. At least 36 others were injured, including pedestrians, passengers, riders, drivers and pillion passengers.

Data from NTSA shows that between January and December 2025, at least 4,458 people died in road accidents, surpassing last year’s total of 4,311 deaths.

Pedestrians continue to bear the greatest burden, with 1,685 deaths recorded. Drivers accounted for 403 deaths, while 723 passengers died in crashes involving private vehicles, buses and matatus. Motorcycle-related deaths also remained high, with 1,148 riders and 432 pillion passengers killed. Another 67 pedal cyclists lost their lives.

Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding and drunk driving remain the leading causes of road accidents. Mechanical failures due to poor vehicle maintenance, such as worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also contributed to the rising number of crashes. Poor road conditions, including potholes, unclear signage and inadequate lighting, have made travel more dangerous, especially at night.