The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced plans to audit six major highways to identify the causes of accidents and recommend measures to reduce fatalities on the road.

The highways to be audited include: Gilgil – Nyahururu – Rumuruti – Maralal Road (220 km), Eldoret – Iten – Kabarnet – Marigat Road (133 km), Muhoroni – Fort Tenan – Londiani Road (63 km), Sori – Ndhiwa – Rangwe – Oyugis Road (79 km), Kenol – Murang’a – Sagana – Kagio – Kianjiru Road (65 km), and Makutano – Machakos – Masii – Kyua – Syongila Road (109 km)

The audit will involve collecting and analyzing traffic crash data from the past five years to determine blackspots, the frequency of crashes, injuries, and fatalities categorized by road user type.

“Based on this analysis, KeNHA will provide actionable safety recommendations aimed at mitigating the identified risks and improving overall road safety,” the tender read in part,

The latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reveals that 4,748 people lost their lives in road accidents last year, which marks an increase of 424 deaths compared to 2023.

This worrying trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.