Nyeri: The National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have promised to take lead in cracking down on rogue drivers blamed for the increasing number of road accidents in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the announcement comes after 16 people perished in a road accident along the Mweiga-Nyeri highway following a head-on collision between a lorry and a PSV matatu. The accident occurred at 5 pm on Saturday near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, involving a PSV matatu ferrying commuters to Mweiga and a truck transporting firewood to Nyeri town.
In press statements, the two agencies pledged to ensure thorough investigations into the accident and to hold those found culpable accountable. The NTSA and National Police Service also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and promised support as they plan to bury their loved ones.
The NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa mentioned that preliminary reports point to reckless driving, excessive speeding, and an unserviceable lorry as possible causes. “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 the adherence to traffic regulations,” Kondiwa stated.
The National Police Service has launched its own investigation into the cause of the crash. Police have urged motorists and pedestrians to cooperate with security agents to curb rising cases of road carnage by observing the highway code. NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga extended condolences to the families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
The number of fatalities has risen to 16 after a male patient succumbed to injuries at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital. Central Region Traffic Police Enforcement boss Elizabeth Vivi reported that ten bodies have been identified by relatives, while six remain unidentified.
Vivi earlier reported that the truck driver lost control while trying to avoid a bodaboda rider, resulting in the collision with the oncoming Nyekita Sacco registered matatu. Four passengers died at the scene, while ten others died during treatment at the hospital.
Nyeri Governor Dr. Mutahi Kahiga confirmed that a joint requiem service for the 16 victims is being planned by the national and county governments. President Dr. William Ruto directed Governor Kahiga and County Commissioner Josphat Biwott to form a committee to ensure a dignified send-off for the deceased.
Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, present at the county annual prayer breakfast, urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads. He emphasized the importance of road safety in reducing road carnage, calling for strict adherence to traffic rules.
Road carnage has been increasing in Kenya, with 3,000 people losing their lives to road accidents each year. Statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority indicate that Kenya recorded 5,009 accidents last year.