As the December festive season approaches, traffic volumes increase significantly across the country, heightening the risk of road accidents.

Staying safe during this busy travel period requires careful planning, patience, and a commitment to defensive driving. Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is stepping up enforcement to safeguard motorists and passengers.

Essential Tips for Safe Journeys

Avoiding unnecessary accidents begins before you even leave home. Ensuring your vehicle is in good working order is key; check the brakes, lights, oil, coolant levels, and all tyres, including the spare.

Planning your route using a mapping app to avoid heavy traffic or road closures can also save time and stress. If possible, travel during off-peak hours or on less busy days to avoid the worst congestion.

Prioritising rest is critical, as driving while fatigued can be as risky as driving impaired. Make sure you get a full night’s sleep before a long journey.

It is also wise to pack an emergency kit containing essentials like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, water, and a fully charged phone with a power bank.

On the Road: Drive Defensively

Once driving, eliminating distractions is non-negotiable. Put your mobile phone on silent or out of reach to avoid temptation.

Never drive under the influence of alcohol; use a designated sober driver, public transport, or a ride-share service instead.

You must obey all posted speed limits and traffic signs. Be prepared to adjust your speed further based on difficult weather or road conditions.

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Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure that all passengers, especially children, are properly secured.

Maintain a safe following distance by using the two or three-second rule. Increase this gap when driving in poor weather.

For long trips, drivers should pull over every two hours or 200km to stretch and rest. Remember to stay calm and courteous on the road, anticipating that other drivers might make mistakes.

Following these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, ensuring a joyful festive season for everyone.

A Growing Toll on Kenyan Roads

The need for vigilance is urgent, given recent fatality statistics. Data from the safety authority shows that the number of road accident fatalities has unfortunately increased.

A total of 4,458 fatalities were recorded in 2025. This figure is higher than the 4,311 fatalities recorded in 2024.

The data reveals that pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group, accounting for 1,650 deaths in 2025.

Other victims included 403 drivers, 723 passengers, 67 pedal cyclists, and 1,148 motorcyclists. The NTSA confirms it will remain fully committed to road safety throughout the festive season.

NTSA Cracks Down on Safety Breaches

Ahead of the jammed-up festivities, the NTSA has placed six public transport companies on notice. The authority conducted a compliance review, which uncovered multiple safety breaches.

This assessment resulted in the immediate suspension of licences for 62 drivers associated with these operators.

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The affected companies include Tahmeed Express Limited (23 drivers), Latema Travelers Bus and Safari Company Limited (13 drivers), Meru Operators Sacco (10 drivers), Moline Prestige Services Shuttle Limited (6 drivers), MTrans Sacco Limited (7 drivers), and Enabled Mashariki (3 drivers).

The drivers involved must undergo mandatory retesting before their licenses can be reinstated.

The relevant operators have also been directed to hold road safety awareness training for all drivers. Furthermore, selected vehicles must be presented for inspection.