NTSA mourns victims of multiple road crashes, urges caution ahead of school reopening
By Joel Masibo, January 3, 2026The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has expressed deep sorrow following a series of tragic road traffic crashes that occurred along major highways across the country within the last 24 hours, claiming several lives and leaving others injured.
In a press statement released on Saturday, January 3, 2026, the authority detailed three separate incidents recorded along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway and the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway, highlighting reckless driving and failure to observe traffic rules as key preliminary causes.
Tragic road crashes
”We are deeply saddened by the tragic road traffic crashes that have claimed several livesand left others injured along major highways in the last 24 hours,” the statement read in part.
One of the fatal crashes occurred in the Konza area along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, involving a bus operated by Tahmeed Express Limited and a matatu belonging to Naekana Route 139 Sacco. According to preliminary investigations, the matatu driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision with the bus.
Another serious accident was reported at Kikopey along the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway. The incident involved a matatu operated by Rift Valley Shuttle, a foreign-registered truck, and a stalled trailer. NTSA indicated that early reports suggest the truck driver failed to maintain a safe following distance, leading to a rear-end collision with the matatu. The impact caused the matatu to crash into the stalled trailer.
A third crash was recorded at Taita Village along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, involving a bus operated by Janan Bus Services. NTSA noted that the bus driver failed to maintain the correct lane while overtaking and subsequently lost control of the vehicle. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in this incident.
Back to school rush
NTSA extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a quick recovery to all those injured in the crashes. The authority stated that investigations into the incidents are ongoing and assured the public that further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
As schools prepare to reopen next week, NTSA urged all road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to traffic rules to prevent further loss of life. ”We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules, especially as our children travel back to school next week.” The statement added.