At least 14 people lost their lives and over 10 others were injured in a series of road accidents across Kenya within a span of 24 hours, police have confirmed.
The deadliest crash occurred Friday morning near the Kamandura junction on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, where a 14-seater matatu from Kijabeline Sacco veered off the road, plunged down a slope, and rolled multiple times. Seven people died, including five at the scene and two later in hospital, with four others in critical condition at Tigoni Hospital, according to Limuru Subcounty Police Commander Mary Gachie.
The accident took place just a kilometre from a Thursday night crash in the same area, where five people died following a tyre burst in a private car.
In another tragic incident in Kirinyaga County, a pickup truck carrying logs crashed into River Nyamindi at Kaboro Bridge, killing two occupants, now identified as Vincent Kiura (the driver) and his aunt Grace Njeru. The vehicle had five passengers; three survived, while the bodies of the deceased remain trapped in the submerged truck.
The alarming rise in fatal road accidents has prompted swift action from the government. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced immediate implementation of enhanced drunk driving laws, including the return of breathalyzer checkpoints on major roads.
Under the Traffic (Drink-Driving) Rules, 2025, drivers found intoxicated beyond the legal limit will face fines up to Sh100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Offenders will also face license suspension for one year.
CS Chirchir confirmed that the amended laws, previously nullified by the courts, have now been passed by the National Assembly and will take effect immediately following re-gazettement.“Anyone caught driving under the influence beyond prescribed limits will be prosecuted under the new regulations,” he stated.
