Several Injured in Early Morning Nairobi-Naivasha Highway Accident

Several people were injured early in the morning following a serious road accident at Magina Centre along the busy Nairobi-Naivasha Highway.

The collision involved a passenger bus and a lorry, causing major disruption on the heavily used transport corridors, particularly during the holiday season.

According to eyewitness accounts, the crash occurred when a lorry veered off its lane and rammed into an oncoming bus, resulting in severe front-end damage to the bus.

The impact was strongest at the front section of the vehicle, leaving the driver and several passengers seated in the front rows injured.

The rainy conditions at the time of the accident are believed to have complicated rescue efforts and may have contributed to the severity of the collision.

Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene to provide first aid and evacuate the injured to nearby health facilities.

Notably, this comes days after Chief Justice Martha Koome announced a list of additional road safety measures aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities during the festive season and beyond.

Speaking on Monday, December 15, Koome stated that the government, in collaboration with various justice and security sector agencies, had resolved to adopt a collective and coordinated approach to enhance road safety nationwide.

She said the measures are intended to prevent traffic-related deaths, noting that in many cases, victims are innocent pedestrians or motorists affected by the actions of other road users.

"We must all work together to ensure the smooth movement of persons and goods across the country during the festive season and beyond," she said.

Motorists were particularly warned against speeding, drunk driving and dangerous overtaking during the holiday period. 

Members of the public were also encouraged to report any issues of concern through the toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, and 112, with Koome confirming that the national command centre will operate on a 24-hour basis.

As part of the measures, Koome said the government will strengthen multi-agency collaboration, coordination, and information sharing to ensure a unified approach to enforcing traffic laws and the administration of justice.

She added that joint enforcement and increased visibility will be prioritised nationwide, especially along high-risk corridors, to enable instant handling of traffic matters during the festive season.

Koome further announced the deployment of mobile traffic courts using both physical and electronic systems as a deterrent and enforcement measure. 

The initiative will involve officers from the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya Prison Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Law Society of Kenya.

She said motorists who require legal representation will be given a reasonable time to contact their advocates, and that daily updates will be shared on where the mobile traffic courts are operating to enable accused persons to access legal services promptly.

Koome also stated that strategic roadblocks will be increased to intensify the inspection of vehicles and motorcycles.

Additionally, Koome said EACC officers will be deployed along major highways to enforce traffic laws and deter corruption.