Worry as 398 people die in road accidents in January alone
By Aloys Michael, January 30, 2026398 people have lost their lives in road accidents between January 1 and 30, 2026, according to the latest report.
The figures from the Traffic Department show an 11 per cent increase compared to about 358 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Friday, January 30, 2026, the National Police Service NPS Traffic Department liaison officer, Boniface Otieno, said the surge indicates a deepening road safety crisis that demands urgent action from motorists, pedestrians, and law enforcement agencies.
“We are deeply concerned about the rise in road fatalities this January, and we are intensifying enforcement to protect all road users. Road safety remains a critical challenge. The increase from 358 to 398 deaths in just one month highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement and public awareness,” Otieno said.
Otieno reported 854 accidents in January 2026, slightly up from 850 crashes during the same period in 2025. A total of 2,032 victims were recorded, an 8 per cent increase from 1,132 victims in 2025.
Main victims and cause
Police and road safety data show that vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected.
In the latest breakdown, pedestrians account for the highest number of deaths at 143.
They are followed by motorcyclists with 102 deaths, passengers with 77, and drivers with 38. Pillion passengers and cyclists account for the remaining fatalities.
“Pedestrians and motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable, and our data shows they account for the majority of deaths. This is a wake-up call for both road users and enforcement agencies,” Otieno said.
Moreover, the figures align with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) analysis showing that pedestrians, pillion riders, and motorcyclists collectively account for the largest share of road deaths in Kenya, with pedestrians alone representing between 36 and 37 per cent of fatalities in 2025.
Primary crash factors include human mistakes, risky overtaking, speeding, and poorly designed roads. NTSA reports that driver behaviour remains the top contributor to traffic accidents. Crashes often happen due to loss of vehicle control, linked to speeding, unsafe overtaking, or lane indiscipline.
Overtaking on the wrong side or in blind spots is a frequent cause of collisions. Other contributing elements are excessive speed, misjudged distances, unsafe pedestrian crossings, and mechanical failures.
Misuse of sidewalks and failure to maintain vehicles also increase accident risk.
“Many crashes can be prevented if drivers follow traffic rules and respect lanes. Reckless overtaking and ignoring pedestrian areas put everyone on the road at risk,” he revealed.
Authorities stress the need for motorists to obey traffic lights, signs, and pedestrian zones. Crashes often occur when drivers ignore signals or misuse spaces meant for pedestrians and cyclists. Highways such as the Thika Superhighway and Mombasa Road report frequent violations, especially during rush hours.
To improve enforcement, the NPS and partners are introducing unique ID systems for drivers and boda boda riders.