At least six people were killed Thursday morning in a road crash in the Manyatta area of Taita Taveta County, police confirmed.
The incident occurred when a bus collided head-on with a trailer along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
Coast regional traffic boss Asha Wario said the bus driver was attempting to overtake when the trailer struck the vehicle, causing severe damage to its right side before it veered off the road.
“Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital in Voi for treatment,” Wario added.
The tragedy is the latest in a string of fatal road accidents that have continued to claim lives across Kenya.
More than 300 people died in accidents nationwide in the past month alone, with many others sustaining serious injuries, according to traffic officials.
Authorities say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain the leading causes of crashes, despite sustained public awareness campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The latest collision echoes a pattern seen in other parts of the country.
On Saturday evening, a lorry transporting building blocks lost control and rammed into roadside traders at Kabarnet Market, Baringo County, killing three people.
County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony described the outcome as tragic but noted that heavy rains had limited activity along the road.
“It has become the norm for some traders to move out of their designated areas, particularly in the evenings when supervision from the county administration is minimal. We shall be firm going forward and we want all stakeholders to assist us in enforcing these safety measures,” Chepkwony said. Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie urged traders to comply with county directives to ensure safety and order.
Back in Taita Taveta, rescue teams quickly responded to the crash site. Injured passengers were transported to the hospital for treatment, while authorities began investigations into the cause of the collision.
The Manyatta accident has raised fresh concerns over road safety along Kenya’s major highways. Traffic officers continue to urge drivers to exercise caution, especially when overtaking, and to obey speed limits and traffic regulations.
Officials stress that adherence to traffic rules, cautious driving during rainy conditions, and careful vehicle maintenance are critical to reducing accidents.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Wario said, echoing repeated calls by NTSA and county authorities nationwide.
As investigations continue, families of the deceased are mourning their loss, while survivors recover in hospital.
Authorities have promised a thorough review of the incident to prevent similar tragedies on the heavily trafficked Nairobi–Mombasa highway.
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