KIAMBU, KENYA – Several people are feared dead or injured after a lorry veered off the road and crashed into a hardware shop at Limuru Junction along the Mutarakwa-Maai Mahiu road on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, has left the vehicle precariously lodged in the building’s structure, sparking a major emergency response.

According to initial media reports and images from the scene, the front cabin of the lorry was completely embedded within the commercial building, while its rear wheels were left suspended in the air. The crash prompted an immediate response from the National Police Service and local emergency services, who arrived to manage the scene and commence complex rescue operations. As of Saturday evening, EAT, authorities have not released an official statement detailing the exact number of fatalities or injuries. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.

A Known Blackspot

The Mutarakwa-Maai Mahiu road is a critical transport corridor but has a long and tragic history of fatal accidents, raising persistent questions about its design and safety features. The steep inclines and sharp bends along the escarpment frequently contribute to incidents, many involving heavy commercial vehicles experiencing brake failure or loss of control.

This specific area has been flagged by residents and local leaders as a high-risk zone for years. Past incidents include multi-vehicle pile-ups and devastating explosions. In February 2022, a trailer transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exploded in the Mutarakwa area after an accident, destroying eight other vehicles. Residents have previously appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to implement traffic calming measures, such as installing speed bumps and improving road markings, to mitigate the recurring loss of life.

Data from the National Police Service consistently points to human error, including speeding and reckless driving, as a major contributor to the national road carnage statistics. However, the frequency of incidents on this particular stretch suggests that road engineering and maintenance are critical factors demanding attention.

Infrastructure and Regional Impact

The road is part of the larger Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway (A8) and the Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) road, corridors vital for trade connecting Nairobi to western Kenya and neighbouring countries like Uganda. KeNHA has scheduled and conducted numerous surveys on these roads with the long-term goal of significant upgrades under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program aimed at dualling the carriageway to improve safety and efficiency.

While these long-term infrastructure projects promise a safer future, Saturday's incident serves as a stark reminder of the immediate dangers faced by motorists and residents. The crash caused a significant traffic snarl-up, disrupting transport and commerce along the busy route. Emergency services from Kiambu County, supported by national agencies, are expected to continue recovery efforts into the night. Further details from the National Police Service are anticipated as their investigation into the cause of the crash progresses.