Road accident deaths in Kenya rose by nearly 10% in 2024, reaching 4,748 fatalities. A National Transport and Safety Authority report reveals that most victims were between 20 and 54 years old—the country’s most economically productive age group. Data scientist Albert Kisaka estimates that these deaths resulted in a loss of at least Sh161 million to the GDP.
Beyond economic losses, the rising number of accidents is straining Kenya’s healthcare system, with road traffic injuries costing the Ministry of Health Sh46.1 billion annually. WHO data highlights that low-income countries, including Kenya, experience disproportionately high road fatalities despite having fewer vehicles.
In Kenya, 28 out of every 100,000 people die in road crashes, exceeding the African average of 19.4. This crisis has also impacted insurance, with motor accident claims accounting for 68% of payouts in 2024, totaling Sh37.6 billion.