NAKURU, Kenya — Six people have died and five others were injured following a head-on collision involving a 14-seater matatu and a trailer at Kamara in Mau Summit along the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway.
The accident occurred at about 8:30pm on Friday, July 3, in the Nyanja area of Kuresoi North Sub-County.
Kuresoi North Sub-County Police Commander John Kimutai confirmed the incident, saying the crash involved a matatu travelling from Nakuru towards Eldoret and a trailer heading in the opposite direction.
“The accident occurred at around 8:30 pm. A matatu was heading towards Nakuru from Eldoret. A trailer ascending Nyanja slope swerved to the right and collided head-on with the matatu, fatally injuring five people on the spot,” Kimutai said.
According to preliminary investigations, the trailer is suspected to have veered from its lane before colliding with the oncoming passenger vehicle.
The matatu was carrying 11 passengers at the time of the accident.
Police said five people, including the matatu driver, died at the scene as a result of the impact.
A sixth victim later succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Londiani Sub-County Hospital.
Five other passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Authorities said the injured remain under medical care as investigations continue.
Police officers later removed the wreckage from the highway to restore the flow of traffic.
Investigators have launched inquiries to establish the exact circumstances that led to the collision.
No arrests had been announced by Saturday morning.
The latest tragedy comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of fatal road accidents across Kenya.
Just a week ago, Inspector Felistus Kateve Mbaluka, the officer in charge of Makutano Police Patrol Base in Mwala Sub-County, died following a head-on collision along the Machakos–Kitui Road.
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According to police, she sustained multiple fractures and later died while undergoing treatment.
Recent data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) indicates that road fatalities continue to increase despite ongoing safety campaigns.
NTSA figures show that 2,150 people lost their lives in road accidents during the first half of 2026, an 11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Pedestrians accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 836, followed by motorcyclists, passengers and drivers.
The latest crash is likely to renew calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and stronger action against reckless driving on Kenya’s highways.
