In a tragic series of events, at least 14 people have lost their lives in separate road accidents across Kenya in less than 24 hours. The accidents have also left around 10 others with serious injuries, according to the police.
The first of these accidents occurred on Friday morning along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, near Limuru. Seven people were killed when the driver of a 14-seater matatu lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road at the Kamandura junction. The vehicle plunged into a steep slope, rolling several times and causing the deaths of five passengers on the spot. Two others succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The matatu, which was operated by the Kijabeline Sacco, was traveling from Nairobi to Kijabe town at the time of the crash. Four survivors, who are reported to be in critical condition, are currently being treated at Tigoni Hospital.
This accident comes less than 24 hours after another fatal crash occurred in the same area. On Thursday evening, a private vehicle crashed following a tyre burst. Three people died instantly, and two more passed away while receiving medical care. Additionally, another road crash took place on Thursday evening in Kirinyaga County, where two people lost their lives. A pickup truck, which was transporting logs to Kiamugumo village, plunged into River Nyamindi at Kaboro Bridge in Gichugu. Of the five passengers in the vehicle, two drowned when the truck was submerged, while the other three managed to escape. The victims have been identified as Grace Njeru and Vincent Kiura, who was the driver of the truck.
The rise in fatal accidents has prompted calls for immediate action to curb the growing menace of road carnage. In response to this, the Kenyan government has announced several measures aimed at reducing accidents and improving road safety. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed that the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the police, will install breathalyzer checkpoints on major roads across the country. This initiative is part of an effort to curb drunk driving, which has been identified as a leading factor in many fatal crashes.
Under the new regulations, any driver caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond the prescribed limit will face a hefty fine of up to KSh 100,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years, or both. In addition, individuals convicted of drinking and driving will be disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for a period of one year. These new laws have been introduced following the amendment of Section 4 of the Traffic Act, CAP 403, by the National Assembly. The amendments grant the NTSA the authority to enforce stricter regulations regarding drunk driving.
Chirchir also announced that the new regulations would be gazetted and enforced immediately. This includes the installation of breathalyzer checkpoints on major roads across the country, a move that is expected to significantly reduce the number of road accidents caused by impaired driving.
The alarming rate of fatal road accidents in Kenya highlights the need for more stringent enforcement of traffic laws and better public awareness of road safety. Despite the government’s efforts to tackle this issue, many are calling for more action to be taken to ensure that drivers adhere to the rules and regulations designed to protect the lives of all road users. As the nation grapples with this crisis, it is hoped that the implementation of new laws and increased vigilance will help curb the rise in road fatalities.
