Preliminary investigations into the tragic road accident on the Nyeri–Nyahururu road, which resulted in 15 fatalities, suggest human error as a significant factor, according to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa revealed that initial findings point to reckless driving, excessive speeding, and the use of an unroadworthy lorry as potential causes of the incident.
This accident, which has deeply affected the nation, is now under an extensive multi-agency investigation.
Kondiwa emphasized, “If these suspicions are confirmed, this was a preventable catastrophe.”
Investigators are currently working to clarify the sequence of events leading to the deadly collision. Kondiwa assured that the NTSA will thoroughly examine whether traffic regulations were violated and if the vehicles involved met safety standards.
“We will assess the roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles, the behavior of the drivers, and their compliance with traffic laws,” he stated.
In response, the authority has dispatched a team of experts to the accident site for a forensic reconstruction. This team aims to gather crucial evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Additionally, NTSA has initiated an urgent audit of both the public service vehicle (PSV) operator and the lorry owner to ensure adherence to safety standards, licensing, and operational protocols.
“We will promptly audit the PSV operator and the lorry owner to confirm compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements,” Kondiwa affirmed.
The authority also announced a significant enforcement effort along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other major highways nationwide. This initiative seeks to eliminate unroadworthy vehicles, particularly commercial trucks and PSVs, which are often linked to fatal accidents.
“We are intensifying enforcement measures along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other key highways to remove unroadworthy vehicles from our roads,” Kondiwa stated.
He expressed sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims, calling the tragedy a significant loss for the nation.
“On behalf of the National Transport and Safety Authority and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. This heartbreaking loss resonates deeply, and we share in the grief of those affected,” he said.
Kondiwa also highlighted that NTSA is collaborating with hospitals and emergency responders to ensure the deceased are treated with dignity and that survivors receive immediate medical care.
He issued a strong warning to motorists, particularly commercial drivers, urging them to prioritize safety and strictly follow traffic regulations.
“Recklessness on our roads is a choice with deadly consequences,” he stated. “We will hold accountable anyone or any entity found to have contributed to this tragedy through negligence or violations of traffic laws.”
Further updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
