Motorists plying the Kitengela – Kajiado route have been warned against speeding amid concerns over an increased number of fatal accidents along the 43km stretch.
According to police records, 16 people have died in separate road crashes with 28 others reduced to disabled in the last three months.
All the fatal accidents are reported to have occurred at night.
According to Isinya sub-county police commander Ancient Kaloki, the accidents mainly involve lorries and trucks which are parked and left unattended along the road resulting in ramming.
Speeding by private vehicles has also been cited as the major cause of accidents with Boda Boda and Tuktuks reported to have poor lighting.
“The number of accidents we are witnessing along the Kitengela Kajiado route is alarming. It is worrying and we are seeing a high number of deaths with others left with life-threatening injuries and permanent disabilities. The main problem has been trucks carelessly parked along the road without any sign to warn motorists as well as speeding private vehicles,” Kaloki says.
The stretch is characterized by a high number of lorries ferrying fresh produce from the neighbouring country, Tanzania. There are no lay bays along the route.
“Every motorist plying the route should ensure his vehicle is well illuminated because the road is relatively dark. The truckers should also be responsible and protect other road users by indicating a stalled vehicle,” Kaloki insisted.
The police boss further said that in most cases the private car occupants are found drunk.
He says they have written to the concerned stakeholders to avail alco-blow gadgets and speed guns to tame the road users along the route.
“We continue urging motorists to observe all traffic rules. On the issue of lorries and trucks carelessly parked, we will take stern action against them and deal with them precisely. They will face the wrath of the law by endangering road users. Life is precious and we cannot afford to reduce our roads into killer roads,” he added.
He further urge Kenya National Highway Authority ( KENHA) to liaise with the traffic department to put speed-ups in areas earmarked as hotspots of road carnage to regulate speeding.
The stretch between the Korompoi area and Kisaju has reported the highest number of both fatal and non-injuries accidents.
In the recent accident that involved Public Service Vehicle (PSV) vehicle and a private vehicle, the only female matatu driver who ply the Kitengela – Isinya route succumbed to injuries.
