Six Indian tourists tragically lost their lives and 27 others were injured on Monday after a tour bus plunged into a deep ditch along the Ol Jororok–Nakuru road near Gichaka in Nyandarua County. The group was en route to Panari Resort in Nyahururu when the incident occurred.
According to police reports, the accident happened as the driver lost control of the bus while negotiating a sharp corner in a steep section of the road. The vehicle reportedly rolled nearly 100 meters down a slope, complicating rescue efforts. Area residents responded quickly, helping the injured before police and emergency services arrived at the scene.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed that the bus was carrying 28 Indian tourists, three local guides, and a driver. A nighttime search was launched for three people initially unaccounted for. Authorities have since launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the crash.
The road where the accident occurred is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, raising concerns over its safety. This incident highlights the growing need for enhanced road safety measures in the region, especially in areas frequented by visitors.
The tragedy comes just a week after another fatal crash on the Matuu–Mwingi road in Masinga, Machakos County, where at least seven people died when a 14-seater matatu was involved in a collision. These back-to-back incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and better infrastructure.
In response to rising fatalities, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) launched the National Road Safety Action Plan (2023–2027) in October 2023. The plan aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50 percent, particularly in high-risk areas. Principal Secretary in the State Department of Transport, Mohamed Daghar, has called for coordinated efforts between national and county governments to address the crisis.
Kenya continues to face a worrying trend in road-related deaths, with approximately 4,000 fatalities reported annually. Many more are left injured, placing significant emotional and financial strain on affected families. Monday’s accident is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to improve road conditions, driver training, and emergency response systems across the country.
