By Caroline Katana
A worrying rise in road crashes has renewed concerns over safety on Kwale’s major highways, with at least five people killed in two separate accidents within weeks and several other crashes reported along the busy Ukunda–Lunga Lunga Road during the same period.
The latest tragedy occurred on Monday evening when three people died in a crash at Maganyakulo along the Likoni–Lunga Lunga Highway.
The accident came less than a month after another fatal collision at Saba Saba on the Kombani–Kwale Road on June 11, which claimed two lives.
Throughout June, residents witnessed a string of road crashes along the Ukunda–Lunga Lunga Road, reinforcing fears that one of the Coast region’s busiest transport corridors is becoming increasingly dangerous for motorists, passengers, pedestrians and boda boda riders.
Responding to the growing concerns, Kwale Deputy County Police Commander Henry Zuma attributed the recent increase in traffic incidents to heavier vehicle movement following the reopening of schools. He said the resulting congestion on major roads has significantly heightened the risk of accidents.
Zuma noted that traffic officers from Taru and Mariakani recently coordinated efforts to manage an accident along the Voi–Mombasa Highway, while officers stationed along the Lunga Lunga–Diani Road remain on high alert to regulate traffic and maintain a smooth flow of vehicles.
Although he did not provide the county’s full monthly accident statistics, saying he would need to refer to official records, Zuma recalled at least two accidents in the Samburu area along the Mombasa Highway. He also cited a recent collision involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle that left the rider injured but did not result in a fatality.
He urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, advising them to wait for the next available vehicle if one had already reached capacity. He also called on motorists to inspect their vehicles before every journey and ensure they are mechanically sound and roadworthy before carrying passengers.
Road safety advocates say the recurring crashes underscore the need for urgent intervention. They argue that stronger enforcement of traffic laws, safer road infrastructure, routine vehicle inspections, responsible driving and sustained public awareness campaigns could significantly reduce preventable deaths and injuries.
With traffic volumes expected to remain high during school reopening periods and other peak travel seasons, experts say the focus must shift from merely responding to accidents to preventing them before they happen.
For families who have lost loved ones and survivors still recovering from their injuries, the rising number of crashes is more than just a statistic. It is a painful reminder that without sustained road safety interventions, more lives could be lost on roads that thousands of people rely on every day.
