Urgent Action Required as Traffic Offences Surge in Kenya
Nairobi — Chief Justice Martha Koome has sounded the alarm on Kenya’s escalating road safety crisis, reporting that 787 fatalities were linked to a staggering 62,932 traffic offences recorded in courts during the fiscal year 2024/2025. This alarming statistic underscores the need for immediate and collaborative efforts to address the nation’s road safety concerns.
Presenting a comprehensive update on traffic justice reform via the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Koome noted the judiciary’s challenge in managing a relentless influx of cases related to road accidents, indicating that road fatalities continue to rise at an alarming rate.
The breakdown of the 62,932 traffic cases reveals a concerning spectrum of offences. These include 704 instances of careless driving, 3,509 drivers operating without insurance, 2,991 DUI offences, 69 contraventions of traffic rules, and 6,917 obstruction-related offences. The bulk of these offences—47,400—fall under various categories of traffic violations.
“This trend is not only disheartening, but it is also reflective of a broader public health issue. In the current year, we have already recorded 33,532 cases of traffic offences,” Koome stated, reiterating the necessity for systemic change.
A significant point raised during the presentation is the potential to manage many minor traffic offences outside the criminal justice framework. Koome believes that administrative handling of these cases could alleviate the burden on crowded courts, allowing for a more streamlined process.
“Traffic justice reform is pivotal,” she emphasized, highlighting that a focus on prevention, thorough investigation, arrest, adjudication, and enforcement is vital to achieving safer roadways. Unfortunately, despite various initiatives, road accidents and fatalities remain stubbornly high.
Koome disclosed startling figures regarding the toll of road accidents on Kenya’s healthcare system. The financial strain on medical services due to traffic incidents is estimated at Sh48.5 billion annually, encompassing costs related to emergency responses, hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The average cost for treating moderate injuries stands at approximately Sh69,000, whereas severe injuries can escalate to around Sh147,000, with hospital stays lasting anywhere from 10 to 24 days.
Beyond direct medical costs, Koome pointed out the socio-economic impacts, including the rehabilitation of victims and the loss of productivity due to time off work.
The upward trajectory in traffic fatalities is concerning. In 2025 alone, there were 5,000 reported road deaths, up from 4,448 in 2024, marking an increase of 261 fatalities. The 2025 festive season saw 415 deaths, an increase of 23% compared to the same holiday period in 2024, reflecting the volatility of road safety in the country.
The rise in fatalities coincides with a significant surge in vehicle registrations—motor vehicle registrations rose from 81,000 in 2024 to 182,000 in 2025, while motorcycle registrations skyrocketed from 58,000 to 150,000. “This exponential increase in vehicle registration raises serious concerns about road safety,” Koome noted.
In light of these statistics, the Judiciary established 20 court stations during the 2025 festive period to expedite the processing of traffic-related emergencies. Within a short span of 20 days, 1,978 traffic cases were processed, reflecting a coordinated approach to legal adjudication.
As part of this initiative, a multi-agency model was activated, involving the deployment of 36 prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, 70 officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and 121 officers from the National Transport and Safety Authority, highlighting the need for a consolidated enforcement mechanism.
In light of these pressing issues, Koome has called for a robust, whole-of-government approach. “Road safety is not just a matter of law enforcement; it is a social and economic imperative,” she asserted, stressing the importance of sustained political commitment.
The Chief Justice advocates for the creation of an integrated traffic case management system that effectively connects law enforcement, the judiciary, and transport agencies, which could significantly improve accountability and efficiency in managing traffic offences.
She also emphasized that key legal frameworks need to be updated and that there is a critical need for enhanced digital integration among various institutions. Challenges such as legal gaps, resource constraints, and insufficient capacity in both law enforcement and the judiciary were labeled as obstacles to achieving effective traffic management.
“The requirements for robust security measures and sustainable financial support are essential if we are to strengthen law enforcement and judicial capacity,” Koome concluded.
The increasing prevalence and severity of traffic offences in Kenya paint a stark picture that necessitates an urgent, coordinated, and multifaceted response from all stakeholders involved.
— Reported by Nexio News
