The crash, which occurred at the Kikopey area near Gilgil, caused panic among motorists and residents as emergency teams rushed to rescue survivors trapped inside the mangled matatu.
According to preliminary reports, the accident unfolded when a speeding trailer veered off its lane and crashed head-on into the 14-seater public service vehicle that was travelling in the opposite direction.
According to preliminary reports, the accident unfolded when a speeding trailer veered off its lane and crashed head-on into the 14-seater public service vehicle that was travelling in the opposite direction.
“The trailer was swaying before it suddenly crossed the lane and hit the matatu directly,” said one witness, who had been driving behind the PSV moments before the collision.
Images shared on social media showed the trailer resting on top of the crushed matatu, which belonged to the 3N-TO Sacco.
The impact reportedly killed several passengers instantly, while others remained trapped as locals and first responders struggled to lift the heavy vehicle.
Gilgil Sub-County emergency teams, police and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash.
Gilgil Sub-County emergency teams, police and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash.
Rescuers could be seen using improvised tools to try and move parts of the trailer in order to access passengers in the PSV.
Authorities confirmed that nine deaths had been recorded by late Monday afternoon, although the number of casualties could rise as search and rescue operations continued.
The accident triggered a major traffic snarl-up stretching several kilometres between Lake Oil Petro Station and the Kikopey trading centre, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes or wait for officers to partially reopen the road.
Highway Safety Concerns Raised
The Kikopey stretch of the Nakuru–Nairobi route has long been regarded as a dangerous section due to heavy commercial truck movement, frequent overtaking and speeding.
Authorities confirmed that nine deaths had been recorded by late Monday afternoon, although the number of casualties could rise as search and rescue operations continued.
The accident triggered a major traffic snarl-up stretching several kilometres between Lake Oil Petro Station and the Kikopey trading centre, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes or wait for officers to partially reopen the road.
Highway Safety Concerns Raised
The Kikopey stretch of the Nakuru–Nairobi route has long been regarded as a dangerous section due to heavy commercial truck movement, frequent overtaking and speeding.
Locals noted that several serious crashes have occurred in the same area in recent weeks.
Online reactions poured in, with many Kenyans calling on authorities to intensify enforcement against reckless drivers and improve highway safety measures.
“This place has claimed too many lives. Something must be done beyond issuing warnings,” one user commented.
Others expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents involving PSV operators and heavy trucks during the festive and post-festive season travel window.
NTSA’s Recent Enforcement Actions
The tragedy occurred barely hours after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended the licences of four public service vehicle (PSV) operators over repeated road safety violations.
Online reactions poured in, with many Kenyans calling on authorities to intensify enforcement against reckless drivers and improve highway safety measures.
“This place has claimed too many lives. Something must be done beyond issuing warnings,” one user commented.
Others expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents involving PSV operators and heavy trucks during the festive and post-festive season travel window.
NTSA’s Recent Enforcement Actions
The tragedy occurred barely hours after the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended the licences of four public service vehicle (PSV) operators over repeated road safety violations.
The operators, whose names were not immediately disclosed in Monday’s statement, were accused of breaching safety regulations, including issues related to speeding, driver discipline and lack of fleet compliance.
NTSA warned that vehicles from the suspended operators would be impounded if found on the road during the restriction period.
NTSA warned that vehicles from the suspended operators would be impounded if found on the road during the restriction period.
The authority urged passengers to avoid boarding vehicles belonging to the affected Saccos until further notice.
Transport analysts have argued that Kenya’s rising accident toll reflects deeper systemic issues, including weak enforcement culture, poor road discipline, mechanical failures and pressure placed on PSV crews to meet daily targets.
Survivors and Medical Response
Early reports indicated that at least two passengers survived the crash and were rushed to nearby facilities for treatment.
Transport analysts have argued that Kenya’s rising accident toll reflects deeper systemic issues, including weak enforcement culture, poor road discipline, mechanical failures and pressure placed on PSV crews to meet daily targets.
Survivors and Medical Response
Early reports indicated that at least two passengers survived the crash and were rushed to nearby facilities for treatment.
Medical personnel said the survivors were in serious condition but stable. Police are expected to release a full list of casualties once identification of victims is completed and families are notified.