At least 50 people have been killed and more than 100 others injured in road accidents across Kenya over the Easter weekend, with authorities warning that the death toll is still rising.
The figures, which do not yet include all incidents from Sunday and Easter Monday, make it difficult to directly compare this year’s toll with that of last year’s four-day Easter period. However, early indications point to a worrying upward trend in road fatalities nationwide.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred on Friday night along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway in Nakuru County, where 11 people lost their lives in a tragic collision.
According to police reports, the crash happened at around 9:30 pm in the Kariandusi area near the Lake Oil Bridge. A Toyota Hiace matatu belonging to Likana Sacco rammed into the rear of a stalled Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer that had reportedly developed mechanical problems and stopped on the road.
Authorities say it remains unclear whether the lorry driver had placed any warning signs to alert approaching motorists.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the matatu, which was heading towards Nakuru, crashed into the stationary trailer with significant force. The impact killed the driver and 10 passengers instantly.
Five other passengers sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Gilgil Subcounty Hospital. The bodies of the deceased were moved to the facility’s mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations.
Both vehicles involved in the crash have since been towed to Gilgil Police Station for inspection, as authorities launch a full investigation into the incident.
The Gilgil tragedy contributed to a grim tally recorded on Friday night alone, where at least 20 people—16 passengers and four motorcycle riders—lost their lives in separate accidents across the country.
On Thursday night, 13 people died in separate road accidents, police said.
On Saturday, during the day, another nine people were killed, including seven riders and two pillion passengers. And on Saturday night, nine people were killed, and 52 people were injured in separate accidents.
This increased to 51 the death toll from separate accidents.
Officials continue to cite reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving as the leading causes of road accidents in Kenya, despite ongoing safety campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority.
Mechanical failures linked to poorly maintained vehicles—such as worn-out tyres and faulty braking systems—have also played a significant role in the rising number of crashes.
Additionally, driver negligence and poor road conditions, including potholes, unclear signage, and inadequate lighting, remain persistent risk factors contributing to the country’s growing road safety crisis.
As the Easter travel period continues, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution, warning that without stricter adherence to traffic regulations, the death toll could climb even higher.
