Kenya Railways has raised alarm over a growing number of motorists blocking trains at level crossings, cautioning that the dangerous act is putting many lives at risk with the December holiday season in sight.
The corporation said in a statement released on Tuesday evening that it has documented an increase in cases where drivers either ignore signals or attempt to dash across the tracks moments before a train passes-a gamble that has led to numerous avoidable accidents along the Metre Gauge Railway network.
Officials said that even with long-standing safety rules, some motorists still ignore warnings, placing at risk not only themselves but passengers, pedestrians, and train crews.
“Interfering with the safe movement of trains is unlawful,” Kenya Railways reminded the public, stressing that offenders will face prosecution and be held fully responsible for any injuries, damage, or loss of life.
The advisory follows a string of recent accidents, some of them deadly.
This incident comes a week after two people were injured when a train rammed into a truck on the Pamusu–Lusaka Road in Bungoma County. An eyewitness said the driver of the truck was trying to beat the train to the crossing and lost control before the collision. The crew in the locomotive reportedly sounded the horn a number of times, but the driver failed to clear the tracks on time.
In Naivasha, another tragedy occurred where six people died after a cargo train hit a Kenya Pipeline Company staff bus at Morendat Junction. The bus was trying to cross the tracks even as the train approached. Although the driver slammed the emergency brakes, the distance was too short to avoid impact.
With the festive season usually characterized by heavy traffic flow and rushed journeys, Kenya Railways is cautioning motorists to slow down, be very alert, and obey crossing signals. The corporation reminded road users that trains always have the right of way and that a few seconds of patience could mean the difference between life and death.
