The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has explained the delay in rescue operations following a highway accident involving businessman Dennis Kasyoki.
An eyewitness at the scene said they were present from around 3AM until 8AM, assisting the injured victim, who later succumbed to his injuries.
According to the witness, the accident occurred around 11PM on Sunday, September 21, but the heavy rescue equipment, including a crane, only arrived the following morning.
"What people are not addressing is the time the rescue team took to arrive. The accident happened around 11 PM, but the rescue team only came in the morning," the eyewitness said.
In response, KeNHA explained that the movement of heavy rescue equipment at night is sometimes restricted for safety reasons due to low visibility and the high risk of additional accidents.
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"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) seeks to clarify that the movement of heavy rescue equipment is regulated under the East African Community Vehicle Load Control (Special Loads) Regulations, 2018 - Reg. 11(3).
"Which means that, for safety reasons, movement of heavy recovery equipment is sometimes restricted during the night to prevent additional accidents, given low visibility and high risks on the highway," the agency explained.
However, KeNHA noted that, in emergency situations, the equipment owner can contact KeNHA, and a patrol vehicle can provide an escort for rescue operations.
"Moreover, in the case of an emergency, the owner of the recovery equipment could contact the Authority and a patrol vehicle from the nearest weighbridge would provide escort as they conduct the rescue services. KeNHA's primary concern remains public safety and preservation of life," the agency added.
Meanwhile, KeNHA recently announced the temporary closure of a section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, September 23, the agency extended the temporary closure of the highway section between Makupa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange.
The restriction is now set to run from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to Saturday, October 4, 2025.
"KeNHA wishes to notify the public of the extension on the temporary closure of Mombasa – Nairobi (A8) Highway between Makupa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange from Tuesday, September 23, 202,5, to Saturday, October 4, 2025, to allow for road construction and drainage works to ensure seamless road connectivity along this section," the statement read.
KeNHA has advised motorists to follow the proposed traffic management plan and cooperate with police and traffic marshals deployed on site to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles during the closure period.
KeNHA noted that the temporary closure is essential for comprehensive road construction and drainage works to ensure seamless road connectivity between the Makupa Bridge and Changamwe areas.
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