Residents of Ongata Rongai are once again raising alarm over a dangerous section of Magadi Road, situated just after Multimedia University, which has consistently been the site of multiple accidents, resulting in injuries and significant property damage. The latest incident, occurring on Sunday evening, October 19, 2025, saw a 14-seater matatu and a private car plunge into a deep roadside ditch, narrowly avoiding more severe consequences.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the matatu driver appeared to lose control while attempting to avoid the private car, leading both vehicles to crash into the ditch. Several passengers sustained injuries and were transported to Sinai Hospital for treatment, while both vehicles suffered extensive damage.

This particular stretch of Magadi Road is characterised by a slope and a turn, with the Mbagathi River crossing the road at this point, contributing to its hazardous nature. Over the past two months alone, at least three vehicles have reportedly toppled on the left-hand side of this section.

Historical and Political Context

The concerns over this blackspot are not new. Residents and motorists have consistently complained about the recurring accidents, attributing them to poor road design and inadequate signage. The persistent danger has previously led to protests, notably in March 2025, when Multimedia University students blocked Magadi Road following the death of a colleague in a hit-and-run accident at the same location. These demonstrations brought traffic to a standstill as students demanded immediate government action to improve safety.

In August 2025, another incident saw a passenger bus plunge into a ditch near the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) bus stop, causing significant traffic disruption. Further back, in September 2024, eight people died when a 32-seater bus veered off the road and plunged into the Mbagathi River near Gataka.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is responsible for the management, development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of national roads. In August 2025, KeNHA issued a warning to motorists on the Kiserian–Magadi Road regarding rampant overloading, which contributes to road wear and tear and increased accident risks. KeNHA has also been working on addressing potholes, a major challenge on many Kenyan roads.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport, through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), launched Kenya's National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 in April 2024. This plan aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, aligning with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. The plan includes initiatives for improved road infrastructure, vehicle safety standards, stricter enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Local residents and motorists are the primary stakeholders affected by the hazardous conditions on Magadi Road. Their repeated calls for action highlight a deep-seated frustration with the lack of a permanent solution. Fred Gori, Chairman of the Kiserian and Ongata Rongai Residents Association (KORRA), previously emphasised the need for offenders to be punished to curb recklessness on the roads.

Disturbingly, during the latest accident on Sunday, some individuals at the scene were reportedly seen stealing valuables from the victims instead of assisting in rescue efforts.

Evidence and Data

While specific accident statistics for this particular blackspot are not readily available from public sources, the frequent incidents reported by residents and local media underscore its dangerous nature. The National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028 estimates that road carnage costs Kenya's economy approximately KSh 450 billion annually.

Risks and Implications

The continued neglect of this blackspot poses significant risks, including increased fatalities, serious injuries, and economic losses due to property damage and traffic disruptions. The lack of effective measures also erodes public trust in road safety authorities.

Unknowns and Controversies

Despite the recurring accidents and public outcry, a lasting solution for the Magadi Road blackspot has yet to be implemented. The specific reasons for the delay in comprehensive road safety improvements at this critical section remain unclear. While KeNHA has announced routine maintenance and spot improvement tenders for the Ol Tepesi - Magadi (B19) Road, it is not explicitly stated if these directly address the identified blackspot's design flaws.

Timeline and Next Steps

KeNHA recently announced the closure of a section of the Bomas-Kiserian (B19) road, including parts of Magadi Road, from Monday, October 20, 2025, to Monday, December 1, 2025, to facilitate the construction of two new box culverts. This closure affects the stretch between Galleria/Brookhouse and the junction near the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes via Lang'ata Road, Lang'ata South Road, Kiboko Road, Banda Lane, and Mukoma Road.

What to Watch

The public will be closely monitoring the progress of the culvert construction and whether these works will contribute to a lasting improvement in safety at the notorious blackspot. Further, attention will be on whether KeNHA and other relevant agencies will implement additional measures, such as improved signage, lighting, and road design modifications, to address the inherent dangers of this section of Magadi Road.