Kenya launches national traffic accident database amid rising road fatalities

The government has announced a plan to establish a comprehensive national traffic accident database in response to a worrying surge in road accidents across the country.

In a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Interior, the State Departments for Roads, Transport, and ICT, the government is developing a central system that will leverage big data and digital intelligence to strengthen traffic accident investigations and enforcement.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the initiative will not only standardise accident data collection but also transform how traffic law enforcement is carried out across the country.

We are developing a national traffic accident database and reviewing our traffic investigation and enforcement procedures,” the ministry stated.

The project is part of the Safe-System Approach to Road Traffic Safety, spearheaded by the Kenya Police Service, and is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

 The move comes at a time when Kenya has seen a troubling rise in road accidents, with hundreds of lives lost on highways in recent months.

The Ministry say a lack of accurate, real-time data has hindered efforts to identify high-risk areas and enforce targeted safety interventions.

Combating road carnage

Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, held a meeting with JICA’s Chief Representative, Shinkawa Makoto, and Deputy Chief Representative, Satoshi Hamano, to review progress on the project and discuss future collaboration.

This is through the Safe-System Approach to Road Traffic Safety, which introduces big data and digital intelligence to our road safety management,” the ministry noted.

The new traffic database will enable law enforcement and transport officials to track accident patterns, assess driver behaviour, identify black spots, and design evidence-based responses. It is also expected to improve coordination among agencies handling traffic regulation and road safety education.

The government says the partnership with JICA is instrumental in bringing technical expertise and international best practices to Kenya’s road safety framework.

As the project advances, the ministry is expected to roll out a phased implementation plan, integrating data systems across counties and digitising traffic investigation procedures.

The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives on Kenyan roads, stating that enhanced technology, better data, and inter-agency coordination will be central to reversing the current road safety crisis.