Kenyatta University mourns the loss of 11 students who tragically perished in a devastating road accident on Monday, March 18th, at Maungu in Voi, Taita Taveta County. In response to this heart-wrenching incident, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Waceke Wanjohi, conveyed the decision to suspend all classes for three days starting from Wednesday, March 20th, 2024. This compassionate gesture aims to provide students with the necessary time to grieve and come to terms with the loss of their fellow classmates.
Visiting the victims at Moi County Referral Hospital, the Vice-Chancellor, Paul Wainaina, closely monitored their progress. Additionally, recognizing the severity of the injuries, nine students and staff in critical condition were promptly airlifted to Nairobi for specialized medical attention. The initial group of seven students had already commenced treatment in Nairobi.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved students, the University established a support help desk to offer assistance to those grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. Furthermore, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime demonstrated commendable leadership by ensuring that the victims would receive medical care without financial burden, with the county government taking responsibility for their hospital expenses. Despite the ongoing doctor’s strike, medical professionals exhibited unwavering dedication in attending to the injured.
Governor Mwadime emphasized the necessity of upgrading medical facilities to cope with such emergencies, affirming its status as a priority project. The accident, involving a collision between a KU bus and a trailer on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, claimed the lives of 11 students and left more than 20 individuals severely injured.
In response to the tragedy, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered the reinstatement of National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) officers to enforce regulations alongside traffic police. Additionally, a nationwide crackdown was announced to bolster adherence to road safety regulations among all road users.
In the wake of this harrowing event, the collective resolve to enhance safety measures on the roads is paramount, ensuring that such devastating losses are minimized, and communities can heal and rebuild.
