Gov't Moves to Tame Speeding on Nairobi Expressway After Saturday's Accident

The government is set to roll out additional measures to curb over speeding on the Nairobi Expressway following Saturday’s tragic accident on the road.

Government Spokesperson Col. Cyrus Oguna said ignorance of the installed speed limits was to blame for the rising number of accidents on the roads and the expressway which was opened to the public last month.

He warned motorists to stick to the 80km/h speed limit posted at all times.

"Highway crashes on our roads, including the expressway have been on the rise. The crashes are attributed largely to drivers ignoring speed limits," Oguna said in a statement.

"Motorists using the Expressway are urged to adhere to the recommended speed limits to avoid chances of a crash like the Mlolongo one."

One person was killed and scores others injured following the multiple car crash at the expressway’s Mlolongo Toll station on Saturday night.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the 10:00 pm accident was caused by a motorist who was driving at a high speed. The motorist crashed into a toll booth and other vehicles that were being cleared to exit.

“The motorist crashed into the Toll Plaza and ran over other vehicles that were being cleared to exit. Consequently, the vehicle knocked one toll booth and injuring one toll attendant besides the other motorists,” KeNHA said in a statement on Sunday.

The driver of the speeding vehicle died on the spot while two passengers who were on board sustained serious injuries. The injured persons were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

KENHA announced the closure of the Mlolongo toll station exit and assured motorists that they will put in place measures to avert such incidences.