At least 25 people were killed in multiple road traffic accidents reported across Kenya on Tuesday as travel increased ahead of the Christmas festivities, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NTSA confirmed that 16 fatal crashes were recorded on December 23 alone, leading to the deaths. The accidents occurred in several counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Machakos, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Narok, Turkana, Uasin Gishu and Siaya.
Pedestrians and passengers were the most affected, accounting for eight deaths each. Motorcyclists recorded five fatalities, while pillion passengers accounted for three deaths. One driver was also killed.
NTSA said the figures highlight the heightened risk faced by road users during the festive travel period, which traditionally records increased traffic volumes on both highways and rural roads.
Over the past four days, multi-agency enforcement operations involving traffic police and other agencies flagged 1,702 traffic violations involving public service vehicles, commercial vehicles and private cars.
The most common offences included faulty or missing speed limiters, drunk driving, operating unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, insurance violations and lack of valid Road Service Licences.
The operations led to the arrest of 42 drivers, while 418 vehicles were found non-compliant and ordered off the road.
NTSA said it has deployed all available resources to curb reckless driving and reduce fatalities during the holiday period, urging all road users to exercise caution and follow traffic rules.
The warning comes as Christmas travel is expected to peak in the coming days, with authorities cautioning that speeding, drunk driving and overloading continue to cost lives, many of them innocent pedestrians and passengers.
President William Ruto also urged Kenyans to drive carefully during the festive season, calling on motorists and other road users to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir similarly appealed to travellers to prioritise safety, urging them to use licensed and compliant public service vehicles and cooperate with enforcement officers.
Authorities say sustained vigilance by drivers, passengers, pedestrians and enforcement agencies will be critical in preventing further fatalities during the Christmas and New Year period.
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