The National Transport and Safety Authority has issued fresh road safety guidelines ahead of the Easter holiday following a deadly crash in Gilgil that left at least 11 people dead on Good Friday night.
The accident happened at about 9:30 p.m. along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru Highway near the Lake Oil bridge, where a public service vehicle crashed into a stalled trailer.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winston Mwakio confirmed the incident, saying the victims died on the spot due to the impact.
Early findings show the matatu, belonging to Likana Sacco and travelling from Naivasha to Nakuru, hit the stationary truck. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Only four passengers survived and were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Witnesses at the scene described a horrific crash, with the front part of the matatu badly damaged and passengers trapped inside.
Emergency teams, with help from members of the public, worked through the wreckage to remove bodies before the area was cleared.
Police later towed the vehicles for further examination, while the bodies were moved to a local mortuary for identification and post-mortem.
Following the incident, NTSA launched its 2026 Easter Usalama Barabarani campaign, warning drivers against dangerous behaviour.
The authority pointed to speeding and drunk driving as key causes of road accidents, urging motorists to observe speed limits and remain cautious.
“Never drink and drive sobriety is the silent hero of every safe trip home,” the agency said.
NTSA also raised concern over stalled vehicles, directing drivers to clear broken-down vehicles from the road and place warning signs at a safe distance to alert other motorists, an issue believed to have played a role in the Gilgil crash.
The guidelines focus on the main causes of accidents, including speeding, drunk driving, driver fatigue, unroadworthy vehicles, stalled vehicles and lane indiscipline, commonly known as the “Fatal Six.”
Drivers have been advised to plan their trips early and rest well to avoid fatigue during the busy travel period.
Motorists are also required to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before setting out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.
NTSA has urged the public to report reckless driving through the 911 hotline to support enforcement efforts.
The National Police Service has also announced increased deployment of officers along major highways to deal with traffic violations during Easter.
As investigations into the crash continue, authorities are calling on all road users to act responsibly and prioritise safety.