By Michelle Ndaga
Thirteen people lost their lives and three others were injured in a tragic head-on collision between a matatu and a trailer on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway near Kariandusi on the evening of September 28.
According to preliminary investigations by the Kenya Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the accident occurred when the Nissan matatu veered into the wrong lane during an overtaking attempt and failed to return in time, resulting in a direct collision with an oncoming trailer. CCTV footage from nearby surveillance confirmed the sequence of events.
The 13 passengers in the matatu died on the spot, while three survivors including the trailer driver sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have cited this latest tragedy as part of a disturbing trend along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi corridor, which has recorded over 50 fatalities in 2025 alone. Transport officials blame the high death toll on a combination of heavy traffic volumes, narrow lanes, reckless driving, and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations.
NTSA officials have reiterated calls for stricter oversight of public service vehicles, more frequent driver training, and urgent road infrastructure upgrades along the highway—one of Kenya’s busiest transport routes.
The identities of the deceased are being withheld until families are notified. Police have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially during overtaking maneuvers, and to adhere strictly to traffic laws to prevent further loss of life.
