Three dead, several injured in Kabarnet Market accident

Roadside traders operating along the busy Kabarnet highway and within sections of the town have been urged to vacate road reserves and move to safer designated spaces following a fatal accident that claimed three lives on Saturday evening.

The accident occurred at around 8 pm when a lorry transporting building blocks reportedly lost control and rammed into traders at Kabarnet Market. Three people died on the spot, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Speaking to the press outside Baringo County Referral Hospital, County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony conveyed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of Governor Benjamin Cheboi. He described the incident as tragic and noted that the outcome could have been far worse had it not been for heavy rains that reduced activity along the busy road.

Chepkwony observed that some traders have developed a habit of operating outside their designated business zones, especially in the evenings, setting up stalls along the steep and dangerous Kabarnet-Iten highway.

“It has become the norm for some traders to move out of their designated areas, particularly in the evenings when supervision from the county administration is minimal. We shall be firm going forward and we want all stakeholders to assist us in enforcing these safety measures,” he said.

Baringo Central Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie echoed the county secretary’s sentiments, urging traders to comply with county government directives aimed at ensuring safety and order within the town.

Kandie also called on motorists operating in the county, which is characterised by winding and hilly terrain, to ensure their vehicles are regularly serviced. Preliminary reports indicate that brake failure could have caused the accident.

He appealed to the county administration to consider traders struggling to find alternative spaces as the national government constructs a Sh182 million modern market expected to be completed within 12 months.

The MP further pledged to settle medical bills for victims of the accident who are not covered under the Social Health Authority, noting that no family should suffer additional financial burden following the tragedy.

Confirming the incident, Baringo North OCPD Robert Odongo urged members of the public to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, particularly along the steep highway that becomes slippery during the rainy season.

“We are asking traders conducting business along the road and those who park motorcycles near the highway to vacate voluntarily before we are forced to take enforcement measures. We do not want to lose more lives,” he said.

County Chief Officer for Medical Services Nancy Chesire said seven victims were treated and discharged from the Level Five hospital, while two were referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised treatment after sustaining serious head injuries and fractures.

Chesire added that two other patients remain under observation as medical teams continue to monitor their condition.