150 people have died on Kenyan roads in December 2017

Salgaa, Sachang’wan, Migaa, and Soysambu areas in Nakuru County are among the black spots named in a joint press statement on road safety.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service have mapped at least 15 black spots along major highways nationwide where motorists are warned to be careful during the festive season.

The authorities have identified the dangerous zones across the country and beefed up patrol teams to curb rogue motorists.

The Sachagwan road accident that claimed over 30 lives. (Photo: Courtesy)

These areas include:

1. Salgaa

2. Sachang’wan 

3. Migaa 

4. Soysambu area in Nakuru County

5. Bonje area in Kilifi 

6. Manyani in Taita Taveta

7. Lukenya

8. Maanzoni in Machakos

9. Kiima Kiu/Salama

10. Konza area in Makueni.

11. Ntulele

12. Duka Moja market centre in Narok 

13. Kenol to Sagana section

14. Kenol to Murang’a section

15. Sections in Kirinyaga 

Wreckage of modern coast bus that was involved in an accident at Sachangwan along Nakuru Eldoret highway on 12 December 2017  PHOTO Harun wathari

“In the past few days, we have experienced an increase in the number of fatal accidents. From December 1, 2017, we have tragically lost 150 lives across the country. On December 12, 2017, we lost 17 lives at Sachang’wan along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. We are alarmed by this rise. A majority of these accidents have been attributed to human error and are preventable if all road users exercise caution,” said the statement.

Wreckage of probox car which was involved on a tragic accident at Kamara area along Nakuru- Eldoret Highway on December 9,2017 after it collided with a Truck . Seven people died on the spot.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/standard

“We send heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wish quick recovery to the injured.”

Preliminary investigations attribute the causes of these crashes to risk factors such as speeding, lane indiscipline, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.

 “We appeal to all road users to play their rightful role in enhancing road safety by adhering to traffic rules and speaking out against reckless road use. Violations and complaints can be channelled to NTSA through the hotline [phone], National Police Service through toll-free numbers 999/911, or directly to the nearest police officer,” said the statement.

NTSA and the police also urged all road users to exercise extra caution during the Christmas period, reminding the public that law breakers would be dealt with according to the law. 

The stretch between Salgaa and Mau Summit has recently witnessed a significant number of crashes despite the interventions undertaken. 

Administration Police vehicle that was involved in a grisly accident that killed 14.in December 9, 2017 PHOTO BY MERCY KAHENDA

To enhance road safety along this particular section, the Kenya National Highways Authority is installing additional standard humps and rumble strips as a short-term measure. 

The mid-term measures include a tender for the enhancement of road safety along the Kibunja–Salgaa section to be issued in a week’s time.

The works to be carried out shall include construction of an emergency runaway truck rump and construction of lorry brakes temperature checking point and holding yard in Kibunja.

Onlookers at the scene of the accident that involved 13 vehicles at Sachangwan along Nakuru Eldoret highway on December 12 2017:photo Harun wathari

The Government will also build a dual carriageway at the 10km climbing lane section, widen the Nyanja/Kamara Bridge, mark the road with reflective cat’s-eyes and signage, and repair and installation of guard rails. The dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road is a long-term measure.