Nakuru: Matatu SACCO Involved in Accident that Claimed 12 Lives Risk Suspension
Matatus associated with Nakuru K Service SACCO face imminent suspension after one of their vehicles was involved in a crash that killed 12 people along Njoro-Molo Road on May 8. Preliminary investigations by NTSA indicate that reckless driving by the driver caused the deadly accident.
Tension mounts as the Matatu SACCO linked to the tragic deaths of 12 people in Arimi, Elburgon, along the busy Njoro-Molo road faces imminent suspension. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced that all vehicles belonging to the Nakuru Kiambogo Sacco will undergo rigorous inspections to determine their roadworthiness and condition.
NTSA Road Safety Manager Samuel Musumba stated that preliminary findings from the investigation revealed the driver caused the accident through reckless behavior, despite being familiar with the road.
“Every road has a new story every day; therefore, don’t take it for granted when you are behind the wheel, and we can see the error he made when he was on that road,” Musumba said.
The vehicle involved in the accident, along with others from the Sacco, are currently undergoing inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. NTSA is also evaluating all drivers from the Sacco to identify skill gaps and enhance safety practices.
Musumba questioned the condition of the vehicle, asking, “How can a vehicle just roll and kill all the occupants?” He emphasized the need to professionalize the transport sector and shift public perception so that driving is seen as a legitimate career.
“We want to revolutionize this sector to ensure that people take driving as a serious profession. In our new curriculum, we are setting standards where people can have entry and rise to the highest level,” he explained.
To further improve road safety, NTSA is enforcing age restrictions for drivers to prevent inexperienced individuals from handling large vehicles such as buses and trailers. Additionally, a points-based system is being proposed to hold drivers accountable and encourage professional compliance.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government will deploy engineers from the Ministry of Roads and Public Works to assess the accident-prone Njoro-Molo road and suggest design modifications to reduce fatalities.
Musumba also raised concerns about mental health issues among drivers, stating that they significantly affect judgment and road safety. “Part of the strategy in our driving institutions is enforcing mental health education to ensure drivers can manage their wellbeing and save lives on the road,” he added.
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Nakuru: Matatu SACCO Involved in Accident that Claimed 12 Lives Risk Suspension