6 Injured After Lorry Rams Into Matatu Along Sagana-Karatina Highway

At least six people are nursing critical injuries after a 14-seater matatu they were travelling in was involved in an accident along the Karatina-Sagana Highway in Ndia, Kirinyaga County.

The accident occurred after a lorry lost control and veered off its lane before ramming into the matatu, which had been parked beside the road.

First responders who spoke to the press revealed that the accident took place at around 5 am and that the six passengers were inside the matatu when the lorry crashed into the stalled vehicle.

However, other passengers who were outside the matatu narrowly escaped the accident, having initially alighted from the vehicle to wait for the driver’s return.

Following the accident, some of the passengers, together with a section of the locals, rushed those who had been injured to Kibingoti Hospital for treatment.

Moments later, traffic police officers from Sagana Police Station arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. Meanwhile, the two vehicles were towed to Sagana Police Station to facilitate investigations.

While addressing journalists, the officers urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, especially during this festive season when most Kenyans are travelling.

The Kirinyaga accident comes two days after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi directed traffic police officers to conduct a crackdown on unworthy road vehicles and ensure compliance with traffic rules.

In a press briefing, Mudavadi noted that the enhanced patrols would be conducted to discourage reckless driving, and speed violations and to prevent unlicensed and overloaded Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from operating.

“I direct strict enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations, including ensuring that all PSVs have valid road service licenses. This will help to ensure that only safe vehicles are on the road,” Mudavadi stated.

Statistics by NTSA indicate that this year saw more fatalities and serious injuries among motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians. Between January and November, 4,047 people died from road accidents, compared to 3,726 during the same period last year. 

In 2024, there was a total of 20,369 accidents, compared to 19,262 in 2023. Among these accidents, there were 10,124 serious injuries, up from 9,059 last year.