Motorists blame poor road design for deadly Northern Corridor crashes

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has blamed poor road design and institutional failure for the rising number of fatal crashes along the Northern Corridor, saying human error is being used as a convenient excuse to mask long-standing safety lapses.

In a statement, MAK said deaths on the Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Eldoret–Malaba highway follow a clear and repetitive pattern, with the worst black spots including Karai, Kinungi, Kikopey, Mbaruk, Mau Summit and parts of Eldoret.

“The primary culprit in this carnage is archaic and dangerous road design,” the association said.

It argues that where roads have been redesigned and expanded, fatalities have dropped sharply.

MAK dismissed claims by authorities that up to 85 per cent of crashes are caused by driver error, questioning why such errors recur in the same locations year after year.

“Do drivers suddenly lose their sanity only at Karai, Kikopey or Mau Summit?” the statement asked.

The association said long-distance drivers are forced into risky overtaking because the international trunk road remains largely single carriageway and congested with slow-moving trucks.

It added that the lack of designated rest areas contributes to driver fatigue, yet motorists are often harassed when they stop by the roadside.

MAK singled out the State Department for Roads and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for failing to deliver a dual carriageway for more than 16 years, despite the availability of public funding.

It cited improved safety at sections such as Salgaa and parts of the Kenol–Marua road as proof that engineering solutions work.

“Public safety has been sacrificed at the altar of endless and failed toll road deals,” MAK said, demanding accountability before drivers are blamed.

The association also faulted the National Transport and Safety Authority over what it termed a compromised driver licensing system, as well as driving schools accused of offering superficial training.

It further criticised traffic enforcement, saying police focus on revenue-generating speed traps instead of dangerous black spots.

MAK called for urgent sectional dualling of the highway, better road markings and lighting, proper rest areas for drivers, transparent licensing, and corruption-free enforcement.

“Kenya does not need more condolence messages,” the association said. “It needs decisive action. Enough is enough.”
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