Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Senate Chambers .

Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, appeared before the Senate plenary to respond to a question by Sen. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) regarding the status of investigations into a fatal road accident at Coptic Roundabout in Mamboleo, road safety audits on roads leading to Kisumu City, and measures being implemented to address rising cases of fatal crashes involving long-distance passenger buses.

The inquiry focused on the status of investigations into the August 9, 2025 accident that claimed 26 lives, the extent of road safety audits and blackspot mapping on roads leading into Kisumu City, and the timelines for implementing corrective measures. It also addressed broader interventions being undertaken to enhance safety along major transport corridors in the western region.

Responding to the inquiry on the accident, CS Chirchir informed the Senate that the National Police Service is the lead agency responsible for investigations and is yet to finalize its report. He explained that the police are reviewing witness accounts, driver conduct, vehicle condition and any elements of possible negligence before concluding the probe.

He, however, noted that the National Transport and Safety Authority has already undertaken a technical crash analysis and compiled a report to guide immediate and long-term interventions.

The CS told senators that the Kenya National Highways Authority conducted a site visit following the accident and proposed a redesign of the Coptic roundabout to improve safety. The proposed works include reconstruction of the section into a through-traffic road, installation of new pavement layers, improved drainage systems and enhanced safety features.

He noted, however, that implementation of the redesign has been delayed due to budgetary constraints, adding that the Ministry plans to prioritize the project in the next budget cycle.

In the interim, the Ministry has instituted temporary safety measures at the site, including installation of crash barriers, restriction of right-turning movements at the junction, and enhancement of road visibility through improved markings and installation of retro-reflective studs.

On road safety audits and blackspot mapping, CS Chirchir informed the Senate that the Ministry has undertaken multiple assessments along key roads leading into Kisumu City, particularly the Kisumu–Kakamega highway.

He stated that an initial road safety audit was conducted in December 2019, followed by a subsequent review in November 2023 to assess progress and implement corrective measures. In addition, a focused inspection of major roundabouts along the corridor, including Coptic, Kona Mbaya and Riat, was carried out in August 2024.

The CS further noted that the Ministry, through its implementing agencies KeNHA, KURA, KeRRA and NTSA has conducted road safety inspections and blackspot surveys on several road sections, including Kisumu–Busia, Kisumu–Kericho, Kisumu–Katito and Awasi–Muhoroni junction.

He told senators that implementation of recommendations arising from these audits and surveys is ongoing, with detailed status reports outlining progress and timelines.

Addressing concerns over the rising number of fatal accidents involving long-distance passenger buses, CS Chirchir outlined a series of coordinated measures being implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with other government agencies.

He informed the Senate that a multi-agency team has been established to conduct urgent road safety audits on accident-prone highway sections, reconstruct crash scenes and identify hazardous road designs and infrastructure gaps.

Among the key interventions, the CS highlighted enhanced enforcement operations along high-risk corridors through regular joint crackdowns, as well as mandatory inspection and compliance checks for long-distance passenger service vehicles and other commercial vehicles to ensure roadworthiness.

He added that the Ministry is also undertaking driver sensitization programmes through local media platforms and stakeholder engagement initiatives targeting public service vehicle operators, bodaboda riders, tuk-tuk operators and pedestrians.

Further, CS Chirchir emphasized the enforcement of strict operational regulations for long-distance passenger service vehicles, including the requirement for two drivers, adherence to a maximum of four hours of continuous driving, and mandatory rest periods of at least eight hours for night drivers.

The Ministry is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the National Police Service to strengthen enforcement of these regulations and enhance compliance across the sector.

CS Chirchir concluded by stating that the Ministry will continue implementing infrastructure improvements, strengthening enforcement and expanding public awareness efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve safety across the country