An alarming surge in road traffic accidents has claimed at least 31 lives in the first six days of 2026, prompting the National Police Service (NPS) to order an immediate nationwide crackdown on traffic violations.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the NPS said the deaths, alongside numerous serious injuries and destruction of property, mark a grim start to the year and signal a crisis that demands immediate, collective and decisive action.
“The National Police Service has noted with great concern and regret an increase in road traffic accidents that has so far claimed some 31 lives in the first six days of the new year 2026,” the statement read, describing the situation as “unacceptably alarming”.
According to preliminary police analysis, the majority of the accidents were caused by preventable human error.
The NPS cited reckless driving, excessive speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and persistent traffic violations by boda boda riders — including riding on walkways and against traffic — as the leading causes.
“These are causes that are totally avoidable,” the police said, emphasizing that most of the recent fatalities could have been prevented through adherence to traffic rules and basic road safety principles.
Despite ongoing enforcement during the festive season, the spike has forced authorities to escalate their response.
The Inspector General of Police has now directed all Regional, County and Sub-County Traffic Police Commanders to implement stringent, continuous high visibility enforcement across the country with immediate effect.
The NPS said the intensified operations will target all forms of traffic violations, with particular focus on speeding, drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles and compliance by public service vehicles (PSVs).
Breathalyser tests will also be significantly increased, while courts have been placed on standby to deal swiftly with offenders.
“Particular emphasis is going to be placed on speeding, drunk-driving, unroadworthy vehicles and PSV compliance and an intensification of breathalyser tests,” the statement said, adding that offenders will face firm legal action.
Targeted enforcement will also be stepped up at accident blackspots identified through police crash-mapping systems.
The NPS said it is working closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other transport stakeholders under a multi-agency framework to address both enforcement and the underlying causes of road accidents.
While enforcement remains central, police stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility.
“General road safety has a huge measure of basic common sense, underpinned by a shared responsibility,” the NPS said, urging drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders and passengers to strictly comply with traffic laws.
The warning comes as pupils and students return to schools and colleges following the long festive break — a period traditionally associated with heavy traffic and increased accident risk.
Police also appealed to PSV owners, Saccos and boda boda associations to strengthen self-regulation.
They were urged to install and monitor speed governors, manage driver fatigue through verifiable shift schedules, and ensure regular vehicle maintenance.
In addition, the public has been asked to remain vigilant and report reckless or suspicious behaviour on the roads.
Reports can be made at police stations, to officers on patrol, or through toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911 and 112, as well as anonymously via the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline and WhatsApp platform.
The NPS extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” the statement said, vowing that police shall not relent in ensuring road carnage is contained”.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting life and property, calling for full public cooperation to stem the deadly trend on Kenya’s roads.
