The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service have vowed to crack down on reckless drivers following a tragic accident on the Mweiga-Nyeri highway that killed 16 people.
The crash, which occurred at 5 pm on Saturday near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, involved a PSV matatu carrying commuters and a lorry transporting firewood. Authorities say preliminary reports point to a combination of speeding, reckless driving, and the possible mechanical failure of the truck as key factors in the collision.
Both agencies promised thorough investigations to determine the exact causes of the accident. NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa said the probe will examine vehicle roadworthiness, driver conduct, and adherence to traffic regulations, stressing that if preliminary suspicions are confirmed, the tragedy was entirely preventable. The police also launched investigations, calling on motorists and pedestrians to cooperate and uphold road safety rules to curb rising accidents across the country.
“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. I want to be unequivocal: If these suspicions are confirmed, this was a preventable catastrophe,”Kondiwa said.
In their statements, NTSA and the National Police extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a full recovery. Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga reminded road users of their responsibility to exercise care and caution, emphasizing that safety on highways requires vigilance from both drivers and pedestrians to prevent further loss of life.