Three people lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Karaiani-Kangema road in Mathioya, Murang’a County.
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 26, at 10 a.m., involved a lorry that veered off the road and plunged into a ditch. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that brake failure was the likely cause of the crash.
This incident comes just days after another tragic accident claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and left at least 25 others, aged 10 to 16, injured.
The earlier accident took place on Saturday evening, November 23, when a minibus carrying a youth soccer team from Syokimau overturned. The team was returning from a football training session at the Soccer Talent Ground along Ngong Road. Witnesses reported that the vehicle lost control while joining the ICD road, striking a guardrail before rolling downhill and landing on its side.
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The injured were rushed to various hospitals, with 16 children reported to be in stable condition. The team’s coach, two guardians, and the driver also sustained injuries and received medical attention. Unfortunately, the young boy succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.
In response to the increasing frequency of road accidents, the Ministry of Roads and Transport, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), unveiled the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 on November 17.
This plan aims to reduce the alarming rates of road carnage, which cost the Kenyan economy approximately KSh 450 billion annually. Families, trauma victims, hospitals, and emergency services bear the heaviest burden of these tragedies.
The action plan outlines a range of strategies, including:
- Enhancements to road infrastructure and vehicle safety standards.
- Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
- Increased public awareness campaigns.
- Improved post-crash care services.
- Promotion of safe driving practices.
- Development of a road safety database and robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Authorities hope that these measures will save lives and alleviate the economic and emotional toll of road accidents on Kenyans.
