At least 15 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating road accident along the Nyeri–Nyahururu Highway near Dedan Kimathi University on Saturday evening, in a tragedy that has drawn a sharp response from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as a lorry ferrying logs rammed into a 14-seater matatu, leaving mangled wreckage strewn across the busy highway.
In a strongly worded statement, the NTSA Director General confirmed the incident and termed it deeply distressing.
Read: NTSA Withdraws Instant Fines Go-Live Notice, Clarifies Procedures for Minor Traffic Offenses
“I have, this evening, received a deeply distressing report regarding a fatal road traffic crash along the Nyeri–Nyahururu road,” the Director General said.
“Preliminary reports confirm that a collision occurred between a lorry and a Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV), resulting in the tragic loss of fifteen (15) lives.”
The authority extended condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the magnitude of the loss.
“On behalf of the National Transport and Safety Authority, and my own behalf, I extend my most sincere and profound condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. This is a heartbreaking loss, and we share in the pain of those who have lost their loved ones.”
NTSA further revealed that it is coordinating with hospitals to ensure victims are handled with dignity while survivors receive urgent medical attention.
“We are coordinating with the relevant hospitals to ensure the deceased are treated with dignity and that the injured receive immediate and necessary medical care.”
Preliminary findings have pointed to dangerous road conduct and possible mechanical failure as key contributors to the crash, raising fresh concerns over road safety compliance in Kenya.
“At this time, the detailed findings of the crash investigation are not yet established. However, preliminary reports point to a combination of factors that we have consistently warned against: reckless driving, excessive speeding, and the operation of an unserviceable lorry that likely lost control.”
In a blunt and cautionary tone, the NTSA Director General warned that the tragedy may have been avoidable.
“I want to be unequivocal: If these suspicions are confirmed, this was a preventable catastrophe.”
Authorities have since launched a comprehensive investigation, dispatching a multi-agency team to reconstruct the accident and establish accountability.
“The NTSA will conduct a thorough and swift investigation to establish the exact sequence of events. We will scrutinize the roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles involved, the conduct of the drivers, and adherence to traffic regulations.”
As part of immediate interventions, NTSA has ordered an audit of both the PSV operator and the lorry owner, while intensifying enforcement along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other major highways.
“I have directed our enforcement and audit teams to undertake a comprehensive investigation, including a forensic reconstruction of the accident and collection of all necessary evidence.”
“We will also be conducting an immediate audit of the PSV operator and the owner of the lorry to verify compliance with safety standards and licensing requirements.”
“We are ramping up enforcement along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other major highways to remove unroadworthy vehicles from our roads, particularly commercial goods vehicles and PSVs.”
The authority issued a stern warning to motorists, especially those in the public transport and logistics sectors, urging them to prioritize safety at all times.
“I call upon all motorists, especially commercial drivers, to exercise the highest level of caution. Recklessness on our roads is not a mistake; it is a choice that has deadly consequences.”
NTSA reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, warning that any individuals or entities found responsible will face the full force of the law.
“We will ensure that any individual or entity found to have contributed to this tragedy through negligence or violation of traffic laws is held fully accountable.”
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
“Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
You can support this publication via M-Pesa Till Number: 6166112.