Road crashes claim 2,150 lives in Kenya in six months

Road crashes have claimed at least 2,150 lives in Kenya during the first six months of 2026, according to figures from the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The fatalities translate to an average of about 12 road deaths every day. The humanitarian organisation has warned that the country could record at least 4,400 deaths by the end of 2026 if the current trend continues.

The figures were presented during a roundtable meeting with journalists, where Kenya Red Cross road safety focal person Natasha Lulia called for a shift from responding to crashes after they happen towards stronger prevention measures.

“It is imperative for us to look at road safety as a whole,” Lulia said, arguing for a more proactive approach to reducing crashes and fatalities.

The Red Cross identified Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu among counties along the Northern Corridor that have recorded high numbers of fatalities, crashes and serious injuries.

The organisation is seeking amendments to Section 42 of the Traffic Act, particularly provisions governing speed limits in urban and other high-risk areas. Under the current provisions cited by the Red Cross, priority areas such as schools, hospitals and public playgrounds have a 50-kilometre-per-hour speed limit.

The Red Cross wants that limit reduced to 30 kilometres per hour, saying lower speeds would offer greater protection to vulnerable road users. These include pedestrians, cyclists, boda-boda riders and pillion passengers.

Lulia said the proposed reduction is based on global evidence and best practice, with the organisation arguing that speed is an important factor in protecting people who are more exposed to traffic.

However, the Red Cross acknowledged that lowering speed limits on its own would not be enough. It called for proper enforcement and supporting infrastructure to accompany any changes to speed regulations.

The organisation wants authorities to install clear road signs indicating applicable speed limits and introduce traffic-calming measures, including speed bumps and rumble strips, in locations where lower speeds are required.

It also called for improved infrastructure for non-motorised transport users. Dedicated walkways and cycling paths, it said, could reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles.

The calls come about two months after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) rolled out a minor traffic offences framework that introduced new penalties for motorists caught speeding.

The Red Cross said counties also have an important role in road safety, particularly in urban areas where pedestrians, cyclists, boda-boda riders and motorists share limited road space.

Kaunda Jilly, the organisation's Policy and Advocacy lead, said road safety requires action beyond national authorities and highlighted the economic implications associated with road crashes.

The latest figures add to continuing concerns over Kenya's road safety record, with the Red Cross urging authorities to place greater emphasis on preventing crashes rather than relying primarily on emergency response after collisions occur.