Nyong’o urges KeNHA to redesign Kisumu-Kakamega highway after deadly crash
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 9, 2025Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has called on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to urgently redesign the Kisumu-Kakamega highway following a deadly accident at the Coptic Roundabout that has claimed at least 25 lives.
“I’m urging @KeNHAKenya to urgently redesign the Kisumu-Kakamega highway. Please donate blood to help the victims,” the governor posted on his X account on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
The crash happened at about 5:30 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025, when a school bus carrying mourners from Nyahera to Nyakach overturned while trying to navigate the notorious blackspot. Health officials confirmed that 21 people died on the spot, with four more passing away shortly after arriving at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Governor Nyong’o visited the hospital to comfort the injured and praised the efforts of medical teams working tirelessly to treat the 26 survivors. He urged Kenyans to donate blood to help victims and emphasised that the road’s dangerous design must be fixed to prevent further tragedies.
Ruto demands swift action
President William Ruto also called for swift action, instructing traffic enforcers to hold accountable those responsible for any negligence and to address traffic violations nationwide.
“We must improve road safety across the country,” the president said, sending condolences to the families of the victims.
Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga confirmed that 28 people, including a child, are being treated for injuries, with five in critical condition. He announced that a blood donation drive would begin at JOOTRH to support those who lost blood in the crash.
The Coptic Roundabout, located near Riat Hills, has a history of fatal accidents. Locals blame poor road design, unclear signage, and the steep descent from Riat Hills for frequent crashes involving buses and heavy trucks. This year alone, three major accidents have already occurred at the spot, including one in July involving an Uzima University bus that killed one person and injured 46 others.
Eyewitnesses to Friday’s tragedy described a chaotic scene, with passengers thrown out of the vehicle upon impact. Most of those on board were relatives and friends returning from a funeral.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, MPs Rosa Buyu, Joshua Oron, Aduma Owour, and county health officials also visited the injured, commending the quick response from medical teams, the Kenya Red Cross, and security agencies.