Kindiki orders dedicated cycling lanes on Nyeri–Nyahururu Highway following fatal crash
By Emmanuel Rono, April 7, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the Kenya National Highways and Safety Authority (KeNHA) to build dedicated cycling lanes along the Nyeri–Nyahururu Highway, following a tragic crash that killed 16 people.
Speaking during the Interdenominational Requiem Service for the 16 victims of the accident at ASK Kabiru-ini Grounds, Nyeri County, on April 7, 2026, Kindiki ordered KeNHA to conduct surveys and assessments of the highway in the coming week before construction could begin.
“We will direct KeNHA to conduct surveys and assessments on this highway next week before construction begins, to enhance safety and prevent further loss of life,” stated Kindiki.
Reason for construction
Kindiki said that the rallying call came from the Nyeri Governor, Mutahi Kahiga, who pressured him to construct the lanes due to the high number of schoolchildren and cyclists in the region.
Gavana ameomba mambo ya cycling lane katika hiyo mahali kwa sababu kuna wanafunzi wengi na cyclist wengi na mimi nimekubali cyclist wapate mahali iko sawa,” Kindiki said.
Loosely translate: “The governor has requested the construction of cycling lanes in that area because there are many students and cyclists, and I have agreed that cyclists should have a proper and safe place,” Kindiki said.
The deputy president directed the governor of Nyeri to follow up on the project in order to work with the KeNHA in the construction of the lane.
He added that the government will ensure they allocate money for the smooth running of the projects.
“Baada ya kufanya survey, tutatafuta pesa ya kuchenga hiyo cycling lane. Hatuwezi kosa pesa jameni. Governor will follow up with you next week so that KeNHA can come and help us with that solution,” Kindiki said.
He, however, faulted motorists, pointing to rising negligence, including reckless driving, overspeeding, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles, with many ignoring traffic rules.
“There is high negligence amongst our drivers; most overspeed and drive carelessly, and most have road-unworthy vehicles. If you are able to control your speed, imagine how many lives we will save on our roads,” Kindiki said.
The road accident
The crash on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026, involved a 14-seater public service vehicle belonging to Nyekicha Sacco and a lorry transporting firewood. Several other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Nyeri County Referral Hospital in critical condition.
Police and eyewitnesses said the lorry driver swerved while trying to avoid hitting a cyclist before losing control and crashing head-on into the matatu, which was travelling from Nyeri town to Mweiga.
The impact left the matatu badly damaged, with parts of the vehicle crushed and debris scattered across the road. Rescue teams arrived quickly and worked to pull victims from the wreckage.