Three people were killed and nine others injured in a tragic road accident that occurred on the Nairobi-Naivasha highway in the Kwambira area, Limuru, on Monday morning. The accident involved a Luxury Sacco public service vehicle (PSV) and an oncoming lorry. The head-on collision occurred at around 6 am, when the PSV, which was traveling from Western Kenya to Nairobi, collided with the lorry that was heading towards Nakuru.
The lorry overturned after the crash, and several survivors were trapped inside the cabin of the heavy commercial vehicle. This added to the chaos as a large traffic snarl-up developed, blocking the busy highway. Emergency rescue operations were quickly launched by police officers and emergency units. They worked to free the survivors and provide medical assistance to those who had sustained injuries. The injured individuals were rushed to local hospitals for further treatment.
Sadly, this accident occurred at the same spot where a similar tragedy unfolded just one week prior, resulting in the deaths of seven people. Local authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the causes of these recurring accidents. The Limuru subcounty police commander, Mary Gachie, stated that the authorities are looking into the details surrounding the recent series of fatal accidents on the highway.
The scene of the accident was chaotic, with the two vehicles blocking the road, making it impassable for hours. The road congestion affected the flow of traffic for a significant period, as rescue operations were carried out. Witnesses to the incident were left in shock, as they observed the extent of the damage caused by the collision. The involvement of public service vehicles in such accidents has raised concerns regarding road safety, particularly given the rising number of fatal accidents.
Just days earlier, on Saturday morning, another deadly crash occurred on the same Nairobi-Naivasha highway, specifically at the View Point area. In this case, two people lost their lives when a Toyota Prado overtook a line of vehicles and collided head-on with two oncoming cars, a Mercedes-Benz and a Subaru Impreza. The crash also involved a third vehicle, a Toyota Wish, which was traveling in the same direction as the other cars. The collision killed the driver of the Subaru Impreza and their passenger instantly, while four other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to Kijabe Mission Hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities have expressed their concern over the growing trend of fatal accidents along major roads, including the Nairobi-Naivasha highway. In particular, speeding has been identified as a major contributing factor. Investigations into the accidents are ongoing, with police focusing on the role of excessive speed in these incidents.
In response to the increasing number of road accidents, the government has announced measures to curb the alarming rise in fatalities. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed plans to install breathalyzer checkpoints on key roads across the country. This initiative is aimed at combating drunk driving, which has been identified as one of the major causes of accidents on Kenyan roads. Drivers caught under the influence of alcohol beyond the prescribed limit will face a fine of up to Ksh100,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years. Additionally, anyone convicted of drinking and driving will face a one-year disqualification from obtaining a driving license.
The rising death toll from road accidents has prompted calls from both the public and authorities for more stringent enforcement of traffic regulations. While efforts to address road safety are underway, the tragic accidents highlight the need for a more concerted and sustained approach to reducing fatalities on Kenyan roads.
