By Timothy Ongaya
Kenya has several critical road blackspots where frequent crashes occur. These blackspots are identified based on challenging road conditions, sharp turns, steep slopes, number of road crashes or high traffic volumes. Here’s an updated list of prominent ones, along with additional regional blackspots for motorists to be cautious about.
- Nithi Bridge: Known as one of Kenya’s deadliest blackspots, the steep and winding approach to the bridge on the Meru-Tharaka Nithi highway has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution here.
- Narok-Maai Mahiu Road: This stretch is infamous for the difficulty trucks and buses face on its winding slopes, especially during wet conditions.
- Kinungi (Naivasha): Located along the Naivasha-Gilgil stretch, this area experiences frequent accidents, mainly due to high speeds and heavy traffic.
- Salgaa – A.D.C. Farm Section: Known for frequent and severe accidents, this section particularly endangers heavy vehicles along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
- Kamatira (West Pokot): On the Kitale-Lodwar highway, this stretch is infamous for its steep, winding path and limited visibility, causing numerous accidents.
- Timboroa – Burnt Forest Section: Especially near Burnt Forest, this highway sees frequent crashes, worsened by steep terrain and unpredictable weather.
- Molo GSU Camp to Salgaa: Another critical hotspot on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, this area has sharp turns and frequent speeding incidents.
- Chepsir – Kipkelion Junction: Poor road conditions and heavy traffic contribute to accidents in this section.
- Nanyuki – Isiolo Junction: Serving high traffic, this road has seen many accidents, especially in areas where visibility is low.
- Kericho – Litein and Kericho – Kaitui Sections: This section is especially dangerous for public service vehicles, with multiple accident reports.
- Nyeri – Nyahururu (Wiyumiririe area): Narrow roads and high speeds make this area a frequent accident site.
Additional Regional Blackspots to Watch Out For
Nairobi Region
- Thika Road: This busy road sees high-speed accidents, particularly near Roysambu, Githurai, and Globe Roundabout.
- Jogoo Road: Near Maziwa stage
- Mombasa Road: The stretch around Nyayo Stadium and Syokimau has frequent crashes, especially during rush hours.
- Waiyaki Way near Kangemi fly over
Central Kenya
- Thika Superhighway: The section from Blue Post Hotel to Sagana Bridge has numerous blackspots due to speeding and dense traffic.
- Limuru-Uplands Section: This stretch is dangerous, with sharp curves and high speeds contributing to accidents.
Rift Valley
- Burnt Forest and Timboroa: High accident rates near Eldoret are due to steep terrain and frequent fog.
- Gilgil Toll Station: Located on the Gilgil-Nakuru stretch, this area sees high-speed accidents and challenging visibility.
Coast Region
- Maji ya Chumvi to Mazeras: Especially dangerous for heavy vehicles, this stretch on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway has seen numerous truck and bus crashes.
- Ndii and Maungu (near Voi): Limited visibility makes these spots particularly hazardous.
Nyanza Region
- Awasi-Ahero Road: Accident-prone due to multiple bends and high vehicle volumes.
- Kisii Township (Daraja Mbili): Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic make this area risky.
Western Region
- Kakamega-Kisumu Road (Chavakali area): The high rate of accidents here is often due to congested traffic and frequent overtaking.
- Bungoma-Eldoret Road (near Chemoi): This section has sharp turns and heavy traffic, leading to numerous incidents.
When traveling on these routes, reducing speed, following traffic rules, and maintaining safe driving habits can help prevent road crashes. Let’s make it a safer journey on Kenyan roads.