ELDORET, Kenya – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is set to lead the nation in observing the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims this Sunday, November 16, 2025, with the main commemoration event scheduled to take place in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The event aims to honour the thousands of lives lost and injured on Kenyan roads and to galvanize national action against a crisis that continues to claim a devastating toll on families and the economy.

According to the latest data released by the NTSA on November 15, 2025, a total of 3,890 people have died in road crashes between January 1 and October 22, 2025. This figure represents a troubling increase from the 3,805 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024, signaling a persistent challenge for national road safety initiatives.

The statistics reveal a grim picture for the country's most vulnerable road users. Pedestrians account for the largest single category of victims, with 1,460 deaths recorded this year. Motorcyclists represent the second-highest group, with 1,000 fatalities, followed by 378 pillion passengers, 351 drivers, and 57 pedal cyclists. These figures underscore the daily risks faced by ordinary citizens, many of whom are killed while commuting to work, school, or going about their daily activities.

The 'Lost Talents' and Kenya's Economic Hemorrhage

This year's national theme, “Lost Talents,” seeks to frame the national loss in deeply personal and economic terms. NTSA Principal Officer for Corporate Communication, Antony Nyongesa, stated on November 15 that the theme was chosen to reflect the profound loss of skilled individuals—teachers, students, healthcare workers, and professionals across all sectors—whose potential is extinguished prematurely. “This year’s theme is about the lost talents because we realize that out of the more than 3,000 people we’ve lost on the roads, they come from different sectors,” Nyongesa said.

The economic impact of these losses is staggering. While the emotional cost is immeasurable, studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other bodies have previously estimated that road traffic accidents cost Kenya between 3% and 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually. This translates to a loss of hundreds of billions of shillings through medical costs, property damage, and the loss of productive citizens. The burden falls heavily on families, who often lose a primary breadwinner, plunging them into poverty.

A Global Day of Action

The commemoration is part of a global movement, officially endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, to provide a platform for victims and their families to publicly acknowledge their loss and suffering. The global theme for 2025 is “Remember. Support. Act.”, a call for communities and governments worldwide to not only honour victims but also to commit to concrete actions that prevent future crashes.

The Eldoret event will bring together government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, and bereaved families. It will serve as a platform for survivors to share their experiences and for policymakers to reflect on the efficacy of current road safety strategies. The specific venue, schedule of activities, and a list of high-level government officials expected to attend remain unconfirmed as of Saturday, November 15. (FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED).

Government Response and the Road Ahead

The rising fatality numbers come despite ongoing government efforts to curb the menace. The government is currently implementing the National Road Safety Action Plan (2024-2028), a multi-sectoral framework aimed at halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2028. This plan focuses on key areas including improving road infrastructure, enhancing vehicle safety standards, promoting safer road user behaviour, and strengthening post-crash response.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has recently emphasized the government's commitment to the plan, highlighting upcoming regulations on motor vehicle inspections and the reintroduction of stringent measures to combat drunk driving. However, road safety advocates and organizations like the Road Safety Association of Kenya have called for more decisive action and stricter enforcement, pointing to issues like fraudulent driving licenses as significant contributors to the problem.

As the festive season approaches, a period that has historically seen a spike in road accidents, the NTSA is urging all Kenyans to exercise heightened vigilance. The focus on “Lost Talents” in Eldoret is a solemn reminder that the numbers are more than statistics; they represent individuals whose absence leaves a permanent void in the fabric of the nation. The call to action is for a shared responsibility among all road users and a renewed commitment from authorities to make Kenyan roads safer for everyone.