The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a new crackdown on vehicles across seven counties in a bid to curb rising road fatalities.
The initiative, a partnership with Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Makueni, Nairobi, and Siaya counties, aims to strengthen road safety measures and improve public transport management.
Speaking during a meeting in Naivasha, NTSA Director General George Njau emphasised that the collaboration would enhance accessibility, service pedestrian walkways, and promote non-motorised transport.
"This initiative underscores NTSA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with county administrations to tackle the various factors contributing to road user and pedestrian fatalities,” said Njau.
Under the agreement, transport and safety committees will be established at the county level to ensure coordinated efforts in reducing accidents.
The NTSA boss clarified that the approach is not merely about penalising traffic offenders but rather focusing on proactive engagement, awareness campaigns, and data-driven interventions.
Pedestrians and boda boda operators remain the most vulnerable road users, a concern that counties must address through improved pedestrian walkways, clearer road markings, and enhanced signage.
“If you look at those two categories, especially when it comes to pedestrians, it requires certain accessibility requirements such as walkways, signage, and markings of that nature,” Njau noted.
As part of the new measures, NTSA will integrate road safety protocols into County Development Plans, ensuring long-term strategies are put in place.
According to Njau, a coordinated effort at the county level will play a pivotal role in tackling road safety challenges. “With all these combined efforts between NTSA and county governments, we shall start seeing a significant reduction in road fatalities across the country,” he said.
The crackdown also seeks to address long-standing issues in public transport management, including unregulated matatus and reckless driving. Authorities believe that a structured enforcement approach will create a culture of compliance among road users and reduce accident rates.
A key concern raised during the discussions was the alarming rate of pedestrian deaths. NTSA data reveals that between January and December 2024, over 4,000 people lost their lives in road crashes, with pedestrians accounting for 1,600 of the fatalities.
Beyond enforcing the law, NTSA is focusing on educational campaigns to inform road users about the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.
