- The National Police Service (NPS) says 31 people lost their lives in road accidents within the first week of 2026
- Police blame reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and boda boda violations for the killings
- IG Douglas Kanja ordered a crackdown on breathalyzers, PSV checks, and black spot patrols
The National Police Service has outlined a series of measures to reduce road killings that have caused many deaths since the start of the year.
Source: Facebook
As of Monday, January 7, at least 31 people were reported dead in different road accidents.
The police said that steps should be taken to stop such road accidents.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted with great concern and regret the increase in road accidents that have so far resulted in the deaths of 31 people in the first six days of the new year 2026. This has been accompanied by serious injuries, damage to property and other bad conditions as a result. This is very frightening and cannot be allowed to continue. It is a crisis that requires immediate, collective and decisive action,” he said.
What causes road accidents in Kenya?
The NPS noted that the accidents could have been avoided if drivers and PSV drivers had followed the rules of the road.
Among the causes of the accidents, according to the NPS, are careless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs, and violating traffic rules by boda boda drivers.
“Preliminary analysis of many accidents points to preventable human errors. They include: careless driving, speeding, driver fatigue, drink driving, frequent violations by boda boda drivers, including improper travel and driving on footpaths – factors that are entirely avoidable,” it said.
In an effort to reduce bloodshed on the roads, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued instructions to regional, county and sub-county traffic commanders to enforce highway regulations.
The target will be all traffic violations that would endanger the safety of road users.
“All regional, county and sub-county traffic police commanders to take the following steps: strict and continuous high-visibility enforcement targeting all types of traffic violations. Special emphasis will be placed on speeding, drunk driving, unfit vehicles on the road and compliance with road safety laws and enhanced breathalyzer tests. Our courts will remain ready and will take appropriate action for all types of violations,” NPS said.
Authorities plan to strengthen targeted operations in accident-prone areas across the country, guided by insights from accident mapping systems.
What is the NPS plan to reduce road accidents?
The NPS said it will continue to work with stakeholders to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents.
It noted that while law enforcement is essential to road transport, safety in general relies heavily on common sense and responsibility.
“We urge all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers to obey the rules and regulations of the road. This is especially so when students and students return to schools and colleges after a long holiday period,” NPS said.
The police made further calls to PSV Saccosowners of public service vehicles, and boda boda associations to implement strict self-regulation, ensure speed governors are installed and monitored, manage driver fatigue through proper shift schedules, and maintain vehicles regularly.
“The public is encouraged to be vigilant while traveling and report any type of suspicious and unusual behavior on our roads to the nearest police station, law enforcement officer or through our toll free numbers – 999; 911; 112 or anonymously through our #DiscloseToDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” the NPS said.
What accidents happened in 2026?
Early Monday, January 5, a fatal accident involving a Greenline bus and a bus Nanyuki Express Cabs in Karai in Naivasha killed at least 10 people.
Investigation revealed that the passenger car suddenly joined the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway from Eagle Petrol Station, forcing the bus to swerve into the oncoming bus.
Source: Facebook
Eight bus passengers and one child inside the bus died instantly, while another victim died later, leaving five seriously injured and 35 others hospitalized.
The Karai tragedy was part of a series of accidents between Sunday night and Monday morning that killed 18 people, including passengers, drivers, pedestrians, a motorcyclist, and a cyclist, while 59 others were injured.
Early on Sunday, January 4, five people perished in Kikopey when the trailer lost control and crashed three of the Great Rift Shuttle between two trucks.
Later that night, a bus collided with a 19-seater Nissan near Konza City on Mombasa Road, killing eight and injuring 11, two of whom later died in hospital.
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