By Ongaga Ongaga
Kenya is experiencing more grief due to tragic road crashes along major highways that have left several people dead and others nursing injuries.
This has cast a harsh spotlight on road safety during the busy back to school travel period.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the accidents occurred within a span of 24 hours along the Nairobi Mombasa and Gilgil Nakuru highways, some of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
In Konza area along the Nairobi Mombasa Highway, a head on collision involving a Tahmeed Express bus and a matatu operated by Naekana Route 139 Sacco claimed multiple lives.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the matatu driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, resulting in the fatal crash.
Further north, at Kikopey area on the Gilgil Nakuru Highway, a matatu operated by Rift Valley Shuttle was involved in a multi vehicle crash with a foreign registered truck and a stalled trailer.
NTSA said initial reports suggest the truck failed to maintain a safe following distance, leading to a rear end collision with the matatu, which was then pushed into the stationary trailer.
Earlier, another accident was reported at Taita Village along the Nairobi Mombasa Highway involving a bus operated by Janan Bus Services.
The driver reportedly lost control while overtaking, but no fatalities were recorded in that incident.
The authority expressed deep condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a quick recovery to the injured.
NTSA warned that the timing of the crashes is particularly concerning as schools prepare to reopen next week, a period traditionally marked by heavy traffic and increased road use by children and families.
“Drivers must exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to traffic rules,” the authority urged, noting that investigations into all the incidents are ongoing.