KIMENDE, Kenya — A school bus ferrying students back to their institutions for the new term overturned on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, at Kimende along the busy Nairobi–Naivasha highway.
The incident has cast a shadow over the “back-to-school” season, drawing immediate concern from road safety advocates and the public.
Visual reports from the scene showed the bus lying precariously on its side following the accident.
Large groups of bystanders and motorists quickly converged on the site, braving the morning chill to assist the students trapped inside the vehicle.
The Motorists Association of Kenya confirmed the accident via a statement on social media, emphasizing the vulnerability of young commuters during this peak travel period.
“This morning in Kimende, a bus carrying students was involved in a road crash. The children were travelling back to school,” the association shared on X.
Details regarding the number of students on board and the extent of injuries are still being established by local authorities.
The accident occurred less than 24 hours after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) renewed its nationwide plea for driver caution, specifically targeting school zones and transit routes.
The authority had warned that the influx of students onto the roads requires heightened vigilance from all motorists.
In an official public safety notice, the NTSA reminded drivers of their duty of care:
“Be mindful and slow down in school zones,” the notice read in part.
The NTSA had anticipated the heavy traffic associated with the reopening of schools, issuing a detailed advisory on December 30. The authority stressed that safety is a collective effort involving transporters, parents, and school officials.
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In its plea for adherence to traffic regulations, the NTSA stated:
“In just a few days, thousands of children will be heading back to school. Private motorists, public transport operators, school administrators, and parents or guardians all share a significant responsibility in safeguarding the safety of our children during this busy season,” the authority noted.
The NTSA further emphasized the dangers of nighttime transit, adding:
“We urge all road users to strictly comply with traffic rules, plan their journeys adequately, and avoid night travel due to reduced visibility.”
The authority has also cautioned parents against allowing their children to board vehicles that do not meet standard compliance requirements, as the government ramps up inspections during the first week of the new school term.
