A matatu and a concrete-mixer lorry collided head-on, causing chaos on the busy road.
The accident occurred on November 23, 2025, and witnesses described a shocking scene.
The front of the matatu was completely crushed, and the force of the impact caused it to roll onto one side. Passengers’ luggage and farm produce spilled onto the road, adding to the disorder.
The lorry was also badly damaged, but it is not yet clear whether the driver survived. Local residents rushed to the scene and helped lift the overturned matatu while rescue teams worked to attend to the injured.
Preliminary reports suggest that the truck lost control and veered into the matatu’s lane, causing the deadly collision. The matatu had been travelling from Nairobi to Machakos, carrying passengers along its usual route.
This is the second fatal accident in the Ukambani region in less than three days. On Saturday, six people—including four KCSE candidates—died when their 14-seater vehicle was hit by another lorry that lost control.
Witnesses said the lorry swerved off the newly tarmacked road at Ngoluni Junction and crashed into the stationary vehicle.
These incidents highlight the rising concern over road safety in Kenya. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 376 drivers and 681 passengers have died in road accidents in 2025 alone.
Nairobi County leads in fatalities with 447 deaths, followed by Kiambu (387) and Nakuru (318). Machakos (173), Murang’a (148), and Kisumu (137) also rank among the counties with the highest road deaths.
With the festive season approaching, NTSA has announced a detailed plan to reduce accidents. The strategy will involve close collaboration with the National Police Service, multi-agency road safety operations, and public campaigns to educate drivers about safe driving practices.
Authorities hope these measures will prevent more tragic incidents as travel increases during holidays.
Local residents at Machakos Junction were quick to respond to the accident. Many expressed shock at the severity of the crash and shared images of the wrecked vehicles on social media, raising public awareness about the urgent need for safer roads.
Road accidents remain a serious problem in Kenya despite ongoing campaigns and regulations. NTSA advises drivers to avoid speeding, keep vehicles in good condition, and follow traffic rules. Passengers should also prioritize safety by wearing seat belts and avoiding overcrowding vehicles.
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