Early morning Jamhuri Day freak accident causes traffic in Nairobi CBD
As the nation gathered to celebrate 60 years of independence, an unfortunate incident unfolded in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) early this morning.
A matatu on Kenyatta Avenue was involved in an unexpected incident, resulting in injuries to some passengers. The injured individuals were carefully placed on stretchers and transported into two ambulances that were promptly called to the scene to ferry them for medical attention.
The freak accident took place around 7:30 am, on the junction of Wabera Street and Kenyatta Avenue, causing disruptions for commuters and requiring emergency services to respond to the situation swiftly.
Following the accident, the matatu driver fled the scene, presumably to avoid being lynched by angered onlookers.
Eyewitnesses observed injuries sustained in the collision, prompting a rapid response from diligent traffic police officers who worked to ease the congestion along Kenyatta Avenue.
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Emergency responders attended to the injured passengers, with two individuals being transported on stretchers, while the remaining passengers received immediate first aid at the scene of the unexpected incident.
In the aftermath of the accident, a breakdown truck was dispatched to tow away the damaged matatu.
Per Kenyan traffic regulations, vehicles involved in accidents are taken to the police station for inspection to determine their roadworthiness.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) oversees these inspections at state-owned centers, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Drivers involved in such incidents are required to submit their driving licenses for verification. According to Kenyan Traffic Act 403, “Any person driving a motor vehicle on a road shall carry his or her driving license or provisional license, and, on being so required by a police officer, produce it for examination.”
For public service vehicles like matatus, possessing a valid Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) license is mandatory.