Kenya’s spiraling road carnage has been linked to a racket involving the mass issuance of bogus driving licenses, sparking fresh outrage from stakeholders who want decisive government action.
Road Safety Association of Kenya national chairman David Kiarie on Monday accused relevant agencies of turning a blind eye to the crisis, insisting that thousands of licenses issued over the last six years are fraudulent.
“We want those licenses cancelled and the drivers taken back to school because 80 percent of the licenses issued over the past six years are bogus. This is why the road carnage is increasing by the day and claiming innocent lives,” Kiarie said.
His remarks came after a deadly weekend in which more than 20 Kenyans perished in separate accidents. Six people died when an ambulance collided with a trailer, while a matatu ferrying family members rammed into a truck at Kariandusi, Nakuru County, killing 16.
According to official figures, road fatalities rose from 4,324 in 2023 to 4,748 last year, a 10 percent increase. More than 300 people have already lost their lives since January this year.
Kiarie, who was accompanied by transport investors and boda boda operators, said the government must stop “paying lip service” to the road safety crisis. He criticized the recent National Road Safety Conference in Mombasa, accusing organizers of sidelining key stakeholders such as speed limiter suppliers, PSV bodybuilders, and driving schools.
“It is time the government acted with the seriousness required. For how long shall we continue losing people on the roads?” he posed.
The official also raised concerns over plans by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to privatize some of its core services, warning that this could further compromise safety.
“Kenya cannot pledge to reduce road deaths while actually presiding over their increase. Families are grieving and the country’s economy is hurting. We need focused strategies, transparent leadership, and practical fixes on the ground,” Kiarie stated.
He also pointed to looming plans to extend the tenure of the NTSA Director-General, whose second three-year term ends next month, cautioning that leadership changes must align with road safety reforms.
Kiarie stressed that unless the government urgently cracks down on bogus licenses and enforces strict driver training, the death toll will continue to rise, with devastating consequences for families and the economy alike.
