NTSA Warns of Rising Highway Deaths After a String of Crashes

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, 3 January 2026 - A series of deadly road crashes reported within a 24-hour period along major highways has reignited concerns over road safety, with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) warning that reckless driving and disregard for traffic rules continue to cost lives.

In a statement issued through its communications office, NTSA said it was alarmed by the tragic incidents that left several people dead and others injured along the Nairobi–Mombasa and Gilgil–Nakuru highways.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic road traffic crashes that have claimed several lives and left others injured along major highways in the last 24 hours,” NTSA said, noting that preliminary investigations point to human error as a key contributing factor.

One of the crashes occurred at Konza along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway and involved a matatu operated by Naekana Route 139 Sacco and a bus linked to Tahmeed Express Limited.

According to NTSA, initial reports indicate that the matatu driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, triggering the collision.

However, Tahmeed Express later issued a clarification distancing its bus from direct responsibility for the accident. The company explained that the matatu had first collided with a lorry before veering into the lane of its bus.

“After the Naekana matatu collided with a lorry, it was pushed into the path of our bus. Our driver struggled to control the vehicle and managed to save all the passengers who were inside the bus,” Tahmeed said.

The company added that all passengers aboard the bus were evacuated safely and transferred to a rescue bus to continue with their journey.

Tahmeed said it was compelled to issue the statement to ensure accurate information was shared with the public and to highlight the positive actions taken during the incident.

Another fatal accident was reported at the Kikopey area along the Gilgil–Nakuru highway. NTSA said the crash involved a matatu operated by Rift Valley Shuttle, a foreign-registered truck and a stalled trailer.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the foreign-registered truck failed to maintain a safe following distance, resulting in a rear-end collision with the matatu,” NTSA said.

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“Due to the impact, the matatu was then pushed into a stalled trailer.”

In a separate incident at Taita village along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, a bus operated by Janan Bus Services was involved in an accident after the driver reportedly failed to keep to the proper lane while overtaking and subsequently lost control of the vehicle. NTSA said no fatalities were recorded in that crash.

While investigations into the accidents are ongoing, NTSA used the opportunity to caution motorists against dangerous driving habits.

“We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere strictly to traffic rules,” the Authority said.

“This is especially important as our children travel back to school next week and traffic volumes are expected to increase.”

NTSA extended condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

“We take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and wish a quick recovery to those injured in these tragic incidents,” the statement said, adding that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

Tahmeed Express also conveyed condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the Konza crash and expressed sympathy with the injured still receiving treatment.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery,” the company said, reaffirming its commitment to cooperate fully with authorities as investigations continue.