The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Tuesday initiated investigations after an accident along the Nakuru Eldoret Highway claimed 15 lives.
NTSA also launched a manhunt for the bus driver who fled the scene following the early morning accident. The authority announced that it would be working with the police to track down the driver and ensure that he is brought to justice.
"The driver of the bus is currently at large, and all efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. An investigation has commenced to establish the full circumstances leading to this crash to inform prosecution and recommendations," NTSA stated.
In a statement, the authority revealed that the accident was caused by lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking by the bus driver before it collided with a 14-seater matatu.
Additionally, NTSA announced that it has intensified a crackdown launched last week to apprehend drivers breaking traffic laws as students head back to school.
NTSA warned that drivers who will be found guilty shall face the law. Drivers were urged to take extra caution while on the road especially as students head back to school.
The country woke up to sad news of the accident that took the lives of 15 people with others sustaining severe injuries who were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals for specialised medical attention.
"The authority takes this opportunity to condole with the families of the bereaved and wish a quick recovery to those injured," read part of a statement.
Unfortunately, it is not the only accident reported along the said highway. On New Year's Eve, 8 people were killed following a grisly accident that involved a matatu.
Last week, 5 people lost their lives after a bus collided with 3 vehicles also along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway at around 1.40 am.
Meanwhile, data from the NTSA shows that as of January 7, 508 road accident victims were reported, with the majority categorised as seriously injured (234), followed by slightly injured (190), and fatalities (84).
Among the 84 fatalities, pedestrians were the most affected, followed by motorcyclists, passengers, drivers, pillion passengers, and pedal cyclists.
