There are several parts on the Kenyan roads that have been declared black spot areas due to the number of accidents that have occurred in them.
These road accidents have caused immense pain to many families, leaving many children orphaned, spouses widowed and whole families deprived of their sole breadwinners.
Additionally, thousands of others have been left with lifelong injuries and disabilities, in the wake of these deadly accidents, that remind them of their near brush with death.
According to data from the 2023 economic survey, 4,690 deaths were reported on the Kenyan roads in 2022 as compared 4,579 in 2021, presenting an increase of 111 fatalities and an increase of 2.4 percent.
Further Statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) show that as of October 2023, the country reported 3,609 deaths on the road.
Positively, this marks an 8.9 per cent drop compared to 2022 where 3,936 fatalities were reported in the same period.
As such, this can be attributed to efforts being made by stakeholders to tame road carnage.
NTSA estimates that 3,000 Kenyans die from road accidents every year. This costs the country anywhere between 3-5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Notably, 83 percent of the fatalities are men, with individuals aged between 30-34 years being most at risk, thus robbing the country of a very productive age bracket.
Statistics from NTSA reveal that these numbers have been increasing every year.
Black spot Areas in Kenyan Roads
Nonetheless, there are some areas in Kenya famed for having the highest number of accidents.
These areas are surrounded various mysterious stories with some people claiming that they are invaded by dark, unexplainable spiritual forces.
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The Kenya Police Service listed some of these blackspots cautioning motorists to beware when driving in these areas and especially during the busy festive season.
Some of these areas include the following;
Blacks pots in the Rift Valley Region
1. Kinungi – Naivasha – Gilgil Toll Station
2. Gilgil – Mbaruk Road Section
3. Molo G.S.U Camp – Salgaa
4. Salgaa to A.D.C. Farm Section
5. Timboroa – Burnt Forest Section
Accident Prone Areas Within Central Region
1. Kiganjo – Narumoru Road
2. Kibirigwi – Sagana Road Section
3. Limuru – Uplands Section
4. Thika Blue Post – Sagana Bridge Road Section
5. Kiriaini – Muranga Road Section
Black spots in Coast Province
1. Tsavo – Maungu – Voi Road Section
2. Wundanyi – Mwatate Road Section
3. Maungu – Tsavo East Gate Road Section
4. Maktau – Taveta Road Section
5. Mazeras Miritini Road Section
Further, the Kenya Police Service lists these areas in the Western Province as black spots
1. Mbale – Vihiga Road Section
2. Kakamega Chavakali Road Section
3. Kakamega – Kisumu – Ilesi Museno
4. Kakamega – Mumias Rd – Makunga
5. Kakamega – Webuye – Lubao, Kambi Ya Mwanza Ejinya Corner, Malava Forest
Similarly, some of the listed blackspots in Nyanza region include:
1. Awasi Ahero Road Section
2. Kiboswa Kisumu Road Section
3. Daraja Mbili – Bondo Junction
4. Oyugis – Katitu Road Section
5. Migori Kakrao Road
Other Risky Roads to Drive on in Kenya
In the Nairobi area, the following are listed as blackspots:
1. Kasarani G.S.U Stretch
2. Westlands Museum Roundabout
3. Westlands Kabete Road
4. Mombasa Road Between Kencell Hqrs 7 Cabanas
5. Jogoo Road Near Maziwa Stage
Additionally, some of the blackspots listed in the North Eastern region include
1. Garissa Madogo – Kbc Station
2. Modogashe – Habaswein
3. Ukasi – Bangale
4. Bangale – Hola Road Junction
5. Buna – Gurar
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Finally, in the Eastern region, Kenya Police listed the following areas as blackspots:
1. Nkubu – Embu Road Section
2. Konza Junction to Salama Road Section – Mombasa/Nrb at Chumvi Area
3. Salama – Sultan Hamud Road Section
4. Emali Simba Market to Kibwezi
5. Mtito to Tsavo River Stretch
Therefore, it is important for all road users passing through the above listed areas to exercise extra caution.
This is even more important during the busy holiday season as people travel to holiday destinations or to upcountry to enjoy their holidays.
Thus, motorists and other road users should stay alert, follow traffic rules, avoid distractions, wear seat belts, and prioritize safety to prevent accidents.