KENYA : A devastating road accident has occurred this Monday evening, December 9, 2024, at Kimunyuuru near Kibugua along the Embu - Chuka - Meru highway.
The tragic incident involved a head-on collision between a lorry and a 14-seater matatu.
Authorities are yet to confirm the number of casualties, but unverified reports indicate significant injuries and possible fatalities.
The injured passengers have been rushed to Chuka General Hospital while others have been admitted at the Embu level 5 Hospital.
In related news, A tragic road accident occurred today around 5.30 am at Kikap area along the Londiani-Muhoroni Road. The accident claimed the life of a three-year-old boy and left 41 passengers seriously injured.
Kericho County Traffic Enforcement Commander Selina Chirchir confirmed the incident. The Nairobi bus travelling from Nairobi to Busia, lost control, veered off the road, and overturned into a ditch.
National Police Service Inspector General Douglas Kanja recently raised an alarm over the increase in road accidents in the country over the last 12 months, noting that fatal accidents increased by six per cent this year, pointing an accusing finger at some motorists.
In A Press statement on December 5, the Police IG stated that the country recorded 3,681 fatal accidents compared to 3,469 recorded between January to November 2023.
Despite the sharp increase in fatal accidents, the police IG observed that officers were reporting carnage incidents even as the festive season nears.
“Road traffic accidents tend to increase during the festive season and already we are seeing an increase in road traffic accidents this year,” Kanja stated.
The police IG stated that they are collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to curb corrupt traffic officers on the roads.
“In our operational plan, we have deployed additional Traffic Police Officers on the roads to ensure the free flow of traffic.
“Through the multi-agency strategy, we are also collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on the major highways, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent corruption on the roads this festive season,” he said.
