Hospitals Face Pressure Due to Rising Accident Cases

Hospitals across Kenya are reporting increased strain as a surge in road traffic and motorcycle accident cases places heavy demand on emergency and trauma services. According to data from Kenyatta National Hospital and other referral facilities, a significant number of bed admissions are now due to accident-related injuries — many involving serious trauma such as head injuries, fractures, and amputations.
One of the biggest contributors to this pressure is the rapid rise in motorcycle (boda-boda) crashes. Hospitals in several regions say they are overwhelmed by victims arriving in critical condition, suffering from broken bones and severe head trauma. The Ministry of Health notes that the annual health cost linked to such road traffic injuries in Kenya has reached KSh 46.1 billion, underscoring the financial burden on the national health system.
Health experts are also flagging broader systemic issues that worsen the crisis. A 2024 report showed that pedestrian and motorcycle injuries account for a large share of surgical ward admissions, putting pressure on operating theatres, radiology, and inpatient care.At the same time, trauma care capacity remains limited: many facilities lack trauma registries, and only a few national referral hospitals currently track detailed data on crash injuries.
In response, the government has pledged stronger investment in emergency services. The Cabinet Secretary for Health has announced a KSh 350 million allocation for a new trauma hospital at Emali, positioned on a key highway to act as a lifesaving centre for accident victims. There are also plans to boost pre-hospital response capacity by expanding ambulance services, training first responders, and strengthening coordination among road-safety, health, and transport agencies.