Chirchir says action to be taken against any violations in Nyeri crash as toll rises to 16

Oki Bin Oki

4 hours ago

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances that led to a fatal road crash in Nyeri County on Saturday.

At least 16 people have been confirmed dead after a matatu and a lorry collided near Dedan Kimathi University on Saturday evening.

While 15 died on Saturday, Regional Traffic Commandant Elizabeth Vivi has said that one more person succumbed to injuries on Sunday.

Chirchir condoled with the affected families, praying for a swift recovery for those injured.
He said NTSA and other agencies will “thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and take firm, decisive action against any violations.”

“The Government remains committed to strengthening road safety measures, enforcing compliance, and ensuring accountability to prevent such tragedies,” said CS Chirchir.

While urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads, CS Chirchir said there will be intensified enforcement, audits, and compliance checks across Kenyan highways. This, he added, would ensure accountability and protect all road users.

Vivi on Sunday called on the public to visit the Nyeri Referral Hospital to identify 6 bodies of victims who died in the crash.

10 other bodies have been positively identified by family members

3 adults and a child are among the survivors of the crash.

According to witness statements, the accident occurred as the lorry driver escaped hitting a boda boda. This led to a head-on collision between the lorry, which had three occupants, and the matatu headed to Mweiga.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) blamed a number of factors for accident along Nyeri-Nyahurru highway that claimed 15 lives.

Director General Nashon Kondiwa said early findings indicate that the crash may have been caused by a combination of reckless driving, excessive speeding, and a potentially unroadworthy lorry that is suspected to have lost control.

The Director General warned that if these factors are confirmed, the tragedy would be deemed preventable.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder that recklessness on our roads is not an accident but a choice with deadly consequences,” he said.

NTSA launched a comprehensive investigation to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the crash. Authorities will examine the condition of the vehicles involved, the conduct of the drivers, and compliance with traffic regulations.

As part of immediate measures, NTSA has dispatched a multi-agency team to reconstruct the accident scene and gather evidence.

The agency will also conduct a fleet audit of both the PSV operator and the lorry owner to assess adherence to safety and licensing standards.

Additionally, an enforcement surge has been ordered along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other major highways, targeting unroadworthy vehicles—particularly commercial trucks and PSVs.

The Director General urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that those found responsible for negligence or traffic violations will be held fully accountable.