Three Fatalities As Matatu Ferrying Mourners Crashes Along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway

Three people died after a matatu carrying mourners was involved in a road accident along the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway. Several others were injured.

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Three people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident involving a 14-seater matatu and a truck in the Nyanja area along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. The wreckage of the vehicles was later moved to the Mau Summit police station. Police have launched investigations into the cause of the crash.

According to preliminary reports, the matatu, a Toyota Hiace, was transporting mourners from western Kenya when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck at a stretch of the highway known to be dangerous. The impact of the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles, leading to the instant death of three occupants. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation by the traffic police.

Survivors of the Accident

Several passengers who survived the accident sustained injuries of varying severity. The victims were rushed to Londiani Sub-County Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

Safety Concerns on the Highway

The Nakuru-Eldoret highway has long been associated with frequent accidents, especially where there are sharp bends. Speeding vehicles and freewheeling are also major contributor of these accidents. Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for enhanced enforcement of traffic rules and improved road signage to reduce fatalities. 

Police have urged drivers to exercise caution while using the road. Investigations have been launched to establish whether speeding, dangerous overtaking, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash.

NTSA & NPS Response

This accident underscores ongoing challenges facing Kenya's transport system. This stretch, which is one of the busiest corridors in the country as it connects to Uganda, has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years. This often involves public service vehicles, trucks, and private motorists. In 2024, at least 15 people lost their lives along the same highway, illustrating how frequent and severe such accidents can be in the region. Statistics show that Kenya continues to record thousands of road crash fatalities annually. According to NTSA, there were 4400 road fatalities by late 2025, with 3900 deaths being recorded in traffic accidents nationwide between January 1st and October 2025. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, were among the most affected. Where road signs, driving behavior, and enforcement is incosistent, exposure to such risks increases. 

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service frequently conduct targeted enforcement actions to crack down on speeding, dangerous overtaking, unroadworthy vehicles, drunk driving, and overloaded PSVs. Despite these efforts, Kenyans still feel that corruption is derailing the steps towards ensuring safe roads in the country. 

NTSA have also collaborated with the county governments seeking to improve road safety education, establish county transport and safety committees, and roll out awareness campaigns focusing on safe driving practices, traffic rules compliance, and regular vehicle inspections to ensure only roadworthy vehicles are on the road.

Role of Infrastructure Initiatives

Initiatives such as road audits to identify black spots, improve signage, install speed cameras, and plan infrastructure upgrades play a key role in reducing these accidents. Whereas all these interventions are steps toward curbing road carnage, emphasis is put on behavior change among drivers and all road users.