Three killed in road accident in Murang’a

Three people have been killed following a road accident along the Karaiani-Kangema road in Mathioya, Murang’a province.

Police confirm that a truck left the road and ended up in a ditch.

According to police, preliminary investigation shows that the truck had a brake failure that led to the accident.

The accident occurred on Tuesday, November 26 at 10 a.m.

It comes days after a 12-year-old boy died, injuring at least 25 others aged between 10 and 16.

The accident took place on Saturday evening, November 23.

The group, part of a football team from an estate in Syokimau, was returning home after football training at the Soccer Talent Ground along Ngong Road.

According to witnesses, the accident happened when their rented minibus entered the ICD road.

The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the road, hit a guardrail and roll downhill before landing on its side.

The injured children were rushed to different hospitals, of which the condition of 16 children was stable.

National Police spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed the details, adding that their coach and two guardians – along with the driver – also reported injuries but were being treated.

The boy succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a city hospital.

In a bid to tackle the devastating toll of road accidents, the Ministry of Roads and Transport through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) launched the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 on November 17.

The initiative aims to reduce the alarming number of road accidents, which not only shatter families and devastate communities, but also pose a significant economic burden to the nation.

It is estimated that the carnage on the roads costs the country’s economy as much as Sh450 billion annually.

The brunt of this burden falls disproportionately on the shoulders of trauma victims and their families, with hospitals and emergency services also bearing the burden.

The plan unveiled includes a comprehensive set of strategies to improve road safety for all users.

Key initiatives include road infrastructure and vehicle improvements safety standards, stricter enforcement measures, increased awareness campaigns, post-accident care services, promotion of safe driving behavior on the road safety database and monitoring and evaluation systems.