Nine people, including two minors, were killed in a horrific head-on collision between a Greenline bus and a Nanyuki Cabs shuttle on Monday, January 5, at approximately 2:00 a.m. The tragic incident occurred at the Karai area in Naivasha along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the 14-seater matatu belonging to Nanyuki Cabs Sacco extensively damaged, with its front section and one side completely crushed. The Greenline bus also sustained significant damage to its front end. Preliminary reports indicate that seven individuals, including the two minors, died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed their response to the accident, stating, “A road traffic accident occurred at around 2:00 a.m. at Karai along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, involving a bus and a matatu.”
They further added, “Several injured people were taken to Naivasha District Hospital as Kenya Red Cross and other emergency teams responded” . Approximately 40 injured passengers were transported to Naivasha District Hospital for urgent medical attention.
This latest tragedy follows closely on the heels of other fatal accidents along the same highway. Just two days prior, on Saturday, January 3, five people lost their lives at Kikopey, Gilgil, when a Great Rift 14-seater matatu collided with a trailer, reportedly due to brake failure on the truck.
Another six individuals were killed on Friday, January 2, on Mombasa Road at Katumani near Konza City, involving a bus and a matatu.
Nakuru County Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru emphasized the critical need for motorists to exercise caution, especially during the post-festive season when many are traveling back to the capital.
The Ministry of Interior has also issued a travel advisory to parents and guardians ahead of school reopenings, urging the use of recognized and properly registered vehicles to ensure children’s safety.
Officials attribute many accidents to reckless overtaking, speeding, drunk driving, and mechanical failures
