The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has identified Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the most dangerous days for motorists in Kenya, with road crashes peaking over the weekend.
According to NTSA’s July 2026 Road Safety Status Report, the three days accounted for more than half of all road accidents recorded during the month, making weekends the riskiest period for road travel.
The Authority also flagged the period between 7 pm and 9 pm as a particularly dangerous window. The highest-risk hour was between 8 pm and 9 pm, when 37 fatalities were recorded in July 2026.
“Weekend travel remains a significant road safety challenge requiring enhanced enforcement and public education campaigns,” the Authority noted.
The findings come against the backdrop of a rise in road deaths and injuries, with the number of road traffic victims increasing from 1,974 in July 2025 to 2,167 in July 2026. This represented a 9.78 per cent increase.
Fatalities rose by 11.36 per cent, from 396 to 441, while serious injuries increased from 958 to 1,006. Cases of slight injuries also climbed from 620 to 720 over the same period.
“These trends point to the need for sustained, evidence-based road safety interventions focusing on pedestrian protection, motorcycle safety, commercial vehicle safety and speed management,” NTSA proposed.
The report listed loss of control, hit-and-run incidents and speeding among the leading causes of road crashes recorded across the country.
NTSA noted that the findings underscored the need for tighter speed management, better driver behaviour and stronger enforcement against high-risk driving practices.
Commercial vehicles and motorcycles were also identified as the vehicle categories most commonly involved in fatal crashes. The Authority consequently called for enhanced inspections, as well as additional training and enforcement targeting drivers and riders.
Among the different categories of road users, passengers recorded the largest increase in fatalities. Passenger deaths rose from 47 in July 2025 to 87 in July 2026, representing an 85.11 per cent increase.
Fatalities involving motorcyclists increased from 91 to 110, a 20.88 per cent rise, while driver deaths went up from 37 to 46, representing a 24.32 per cent increase.
Pedestrian deaths, however, declined by 17.98 per cent, falling from 178 to 146. NTSA attributed part of the reduction to enforcement measures targeting pedestrians around footbridges.
At the county level, Kiambu, Nairobi and Nakuru recorded the highest numbers of road traffic fatalities in July 2026.
“The high fatality burden in these counties is likely attributable to higher traffic volumes, rapid urbanisation, extensive highway networks, and increased interaction between motorised and vulnerable road users,” NTSA disclosed.
The Authority further reported that it had carried out joint enforcement operations with the National Police Service (NPS), while also conducting public education campaigns targeting boda boda riders and public service vehicle operators.
