The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has expressed deep sorrow following a series of tragic road traffic crashes that have claimed several lives and left others injured along major highways within the last 24 hours.
In a statement, the authority said the incidents occurred on the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway and the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway, involving public service vehicles, commercial trucks and private operators.
NTSA extended its condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic road traffic crashes that have claimed several lives and left others injured along major highways in the last 24 hours," the statement read.
One of the fatal crashes occurred in the Konza area along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway and involved a bus operated by Tahmeed Express Limited and a matatu belonging to Naekana Route 139 Sacco.
According to preliminary reports, the matatu driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with the oncoming bus.
The impact resulted in multiple casualties, with investigations ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Another incident was reported in the Kikopey area along the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway.
The crash involved a matatu, a foreign-registered truck and a stalled trailer.
NTSA said that preliminary findings indicate that the foreign-registered truck failed to maintain a safe following distance and rammed into the matatu from behind.
Following the initial impact, the matatu was pushed into a stationary trailer, compounding the severity of the crash.
A third incident was reported at Taita Village along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway and involved a bus operated by Janan Bus Services.
NTSA said initial reports indicate that the bus driver failed to maintain the proper lane while overtaking and subsequently lost control of the vehicle.
No fatalities were recorded in this incident, although passengers sustained injuries.
The Authority said investigations into all the crashes are ongoing and that further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
The authority noted that preliminary findings point to dangerous overtaking, failure to maintain safe following distances and loss of vehicle control as recurring risk factors in the incidents.
NTSA urged all road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to traffic rules, particularly as schools reopen and children travel back to school next week.
They emphasised the need for drivers to observe speed limits, avoid reckless overtaking and ensure vehicles are roadworthy before travel.
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