Migaa black spot: The killer road stretch claiming lives

In just seven months, a total of 26 people have lost their lives, with scores injured in a series of road accidents at the Migaa area on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

Thirteen more people, including a child, were killed early Friday at the notorious spot.

The accident, which occurred around 2 a.m., involved a matatu and a truck. Molo Sub-County Police Commander Timon Odingo said the truck driver lost control and rear-ended the matatu, killing the 13.

This latest tragedy adds to a growing list of fatal crashes in Migaa.

Barely eight months ago, another accident in the area killed 13 people and injured 36 others when a Coast Bus collided with a private car.

In June 2023, five people died in a crash involving a Mitsubishi Fighter truck and a Bungomaline Sacco matatu.

The deadliest in recent years occurred on December 31, 2017, when a Matunda Sacco bus traveling from Busia to Nairobi crashed head-on with a trailer while overtaking, killing 30 people.

With accidents at the Migaa black spot becoming disturbingly frequent, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has faced sharp criticism for failing to curb the carnage.

In December 2017, NTSA officials had to flee an accident scene in Matuu after an angry crowd accused them of inaction.

Despite a ban on night travel and repeated promises of reform, little has changed.

In July 2023, then-Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced new safety measures, including installing speed cameras, revising speed limits, and re-testing public service vehicle drivers before license renewals.

Murkomen also directed the ministry to initiate consultations with various stakeholders to finalise the development of the NTSA Operation of Commercial Service Vehicles Regulations.

He also directed police to intensify anti-drunk-driving operations and mandated road safety awareness programs. The CS also noted that the ministry will revise speed limits in the area and erect bumps and signage.

Yet, the crashes continue.

NTSA data shows that between January and June 2023 alone, at least 2,124 people died in road accidents on Kenyan roads.

The question now begs: how many more lives must be lost before lasting solutions are implemented?