Davis Chirchir has ordered an immediate investigation into the deadly road crash in Nyeri County that claimed 16 lives over the weekend, directing the National Transport and Safety Authority and other enforcement agencies to determine what caused the tragedy.
Authorities confirmed that the fatal collision occurred on Saturday evening near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology when a matatu collided with a lorry. Fifteen victims died at the scene, while another person succumbed to injuries on Sunday, according to Regional Traffic Commandant Elizabeth Vivi.
The devastating accident has shocked the nation and triggered a multi-agency investigation into road safety violations, vehicle condition, and driver conduct.
Government Orders Investigation Into Nyeri Crash
In a statement sent to newsrooms, Chirchir expressed sympathy to the grieving families and wished those injured a swift recovery. He also directed authorities to establish the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
The transport minister said the NTSA and other enforcement 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.
The government has also announced plans to intensify enforcement, audits, and compliance checks along major highways to enhance safety for motorists and passengers.
NTSA Points to Possible Human Error
Preliminary findings by the NTSA suggest that reckless driving and excessive speeding may have played a major role in the crash. Authorities are also examining whether the lorry involved in the collision was roadworthy.
Nashon Kondiwa revealed that early investigations point toward human error as the likely trigger of the grisly accident.
“I want to be unequivocal: If these suspicions are confirmed, this was a preventable catastrophe,” Kondiwa said in a statement.
Investigators are now reconstructing the sequence of events to determine exactly how the collision occurred and whether the drivers broke traffic rules or if mechanical failures contributed to the tragedy.
“We will scrutinise the roadworthiness of the commercial vehicles involved, the conduct of the drivers, and the adherence to traffic regulations,” he said.
Witness Accounts Reveal Sudden Maneuver
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident unfolded when the lorry driver reportedly swerved to avoid hitting a boda boda. The maneuver caused the truck, which was carrying three people, to collide head-on with a matatu traveling toward Mweiga.
The violent impact left multiple passengers dead and several others seriously injured, prompting an emergency response from local authorities and rescue teams.
Forensic Investigation and Safety Audit Underway
As part of its immediate response, NTSA dispatched a team of experts to the crash scene to carry out a forensic reconstruction. Investigators hope the process will help them piece together the precise chain of events that led to the fatal collision.
The authority has also launched an urgent audit targeting both the public service vehicle (PSV) operator and the owner of the lorry involved in the crash.
“We will be conducting an immediate audit of the PSV operator and the owner of the lorry to verify compliance with safety standards and licensing requirements,” Kondiwa stated.
Officials are reviewing whether the vehicles complied with operational regulations, licensing rules, and roadworthiness standards.
Enforcement Crackdown on Major Highways
In response to the tragedy, the NTSA announced a nationwide enforcement push targeting unroadworthy vehicles, particularly commercial trucks and public service vehicles often linked to serious road accidents.
“We are ramping up enforcement along the Nyeri–Nyahururu corridor and other major highways to remove unroadworthy vehicles from our roads,” Kondiwa said.
The crackdown will involve roadside inspections, safety audits, and stricter monitoring of commercial transport operators.
Kondiwa also issued a strong warning to drivers across the country, urging strict adherence to traffic laws and responsible driving.
“Recklessness on our roads is not a mistake; it is a choice that has deadly consequences,” he said. “We will ensure that any individual or entity found to have contributed to this tragedy through negligence or violation of traffic laws is held fully accountable.”
