At least six people were killed Tuesday night in a road accident after a
lorry rammed into a group of pedestrians along the Kericho-Kisumu highway.
Police said the crash occurred in the Kipsiget
area after the driver of the lorry lost control and ploughed into the
pedestrians.
Four others sustained serious injuries in the
incident, according to Soin Police Commander Lawrence Kisini.
“The lorry was heading to Kisumu from Kericho
when the driver reportedly lost control. One woman and three men died on the
spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries while being rushed to the hospital,”
said Kisini.
He added that the injured were taken to Kericho
County Hospital for treatment, and investigations are underway to establish the
circumstances of the accident.
The fatalities brought to more than 12 the
number of people killed in separate crashes reported across the country on
Tuesday alone.
The other victims included three riders, two drivers, and a passenger.
Police also reported that 14 people were seriously injured in the accidents,
among them seven passengers, three pedestrians, a driver, and another
passenger.
According to police, the injured are receiving
treatment in various hospitals.
Fatal accidents have been on the rise despite
ongoing efforts to curb the trend.
Data shows at least 2,933 people lost their lives in crashes between January
and August 2025, with thousands more injured.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir
confirmed the grim figures, noting that 80 fatalities had been recorded in just
four days.
“Crash data indicates a total of 2,933
fatalities between January 1 and August 10, 2025. Unfortunately, 80 of these
occurred over the past four days,” Chirchir said.
He added that following the surge in accidents
involving public service vehicles, private cars, and commercial trucks, a
multi-agency team is conducting safety audits on key road segments to identify
risks and recommend corrective measures.
The team is expected to complete the audit
within seven days and submit technical recommendations aimed at preventing
further loss of lives.
Chirchir further said the government is
working with stakeholders to implement short, medium, and long-term measures
under Kenya’s National Road Safety Action Plan 2024–2028.
He added that efforts to strengthen road safety legislation, covering school transport, commercial vehicle operations, drink-driving, vehicle inspections, roadside stations, and a review of the Traffic Act, are at advanced stages.
