NTSA steps up road safety push after more than 1,500 motorcycle-related deaths

Motorcycle safety in Kenya is coming under renewed attention as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) pushes motorcycle assemblers to take a bigger role in protecting riders and passengers.

The authority has directed motorcycle assemblers to start providing standard-compliant helmets with every new motorcycle sold in the country.

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa made the call on Tuesday, September 8, saying the measure could help reduce deaths and serious injuries among motorcycle riders and pillion passengers.

Kondiwa said motorcycle manufacturers and assemblers should not only focus on selling bikes but also play an active role in improving road safety. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya (MAAK), where the two sides discussed ways of reducing motorcycle-related deaths and injuries.

NTSA said standard helmets can play an important role in protecting riders and passengers when crashes occur.

The authority also called on motorcycle assemblers to support road safety awareness programmes and work more closely with the regulator.

The concern comes at a time when motorcycles continue to be involved in a large number of fatal crashes across the country.

Data reported in December showed that 1,148 motorcyclists and 432 pillion passengers died in road crashes in 2025. The figures have increased concern over the safety of boda boda operators and the passengers who depend on them for transport.

NTSA said reducing these deaths will require continued cooperation between the government and the motorcycle industry. The authority wants safety measures to be addressed before motorcycles reach the roads rather than depending only on enforcement after accidents have happened.

The agency has also issued a reminder to school administrators and transporters over the safety of vehicles used to carry learners.

NTSA said school vehicles must have valid inspection certificates, Road Service Licences and insurance before being used to transport students.

The directive comes as several serious road crashes have been reported in recent days.

On Tuesday, two people reportedly died in a crash involving two public service vehicles and a motorcycle in Kisumu. Four days earlier, at least eight people were killed in a night crash along Mombasa Road involving a PSV and a saloon car.

The latest directives show the growing pressure on transport operators and industry players to take road safety more seriously as authorities seek to reduce deaths on Kenyan roads.