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More than 50 people have lost their lives and over 100 others injured in road accidents reported across the country during the Easter weekend, with authorities warning that the figures could rise further.
The tally does not yet include all incidents from Sunday and Easter Monday, making it too early to compare with last year’s four-day holiday period.
In recent years, Kenya has recorded a steady rise in road accident fatalities during major holidays.
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One of the deadliest incidents occurred on Friday night along the Gilgil–Nakuru highway in Nakuru County, where 11 people died after a matatu collided with a Mercedes-Benz trailer. The crash happened at around 9:30 p.m. near the Kariandusi area by the Lake Oil Bridge when the matatu rammed into a stalled trailer.
Police identified the vehicles involved as a Toyota Hiace matatu operated by Likana Sacco and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer that had reportedly broken down on the road. It remains unclear whether the trailer driver had placed any warning signs for approaching motorists.
Preliminary findings indicate that the matatu, which was headed toward Nakuru, crashed into the rear of the stationary lorry, killing the driver and 10 passengers on the spot. Five others sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Gilgil Subcounty Hospital.
The bodies were moved to the hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem examinations, while the wreckage was taken to Gilgil Police Station as investigations into the incident continue.
The accident contributed to a spike in fatalities recorded on Friday night alone, where 20 people — including 16 passengers and four motorcycle riders — died in separate incidents. At least 27 others were injured.
On Saturday night, nine more people were killed and 52 injured in various crashes. The victims included pedestrians, motorcycle riders, a pillion passenger, a driver, and passengers. Those injured comprised drivers, passengers, pedestrians, riders, and pillion passengers.
Earlier on Saturday, nine additional fatalities were reported, including seven riders and two pillion passengers, while 33 others suffered serious injuries.
On Thursday night, 13 people died in separate accidents, among them pedestrians, riders, drivers, a cyclist, and a pillion passenger. At least 24 others were seriously injured.
Another 10 people died on Friday in separate incidents, pushing the cumulative death toll to 51.
Authorities attribute the rising number of accidents to reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving, despite ongoing safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Mechanical issues such as worn-out tyres and faulty brakes have also been cited as major contributors, alongside driver negligence and poor road conditions, including potholes, unclear signage, and inadequate street lighting.
