Bus and truck collision on Nairobi‑Mombasa highway kills 22 in Makueni

Bus‑truck collision claims 22 lives in Makueni

On Sunday, 25 October 2026, a bus travelling along Kenya’s Nairobi‑Mombasa highway collided with a truck near Makueni. Police confirmed that at least 22 people were killed and several others were injured and are receiving treatment. The passengers were reportedly returning from a funeral when the accident occurred. The Makueni County Commissioner, Abdullahi Khalif, warned that the death toll could rise as investigations continue.

Background

The Nairobi‑Mombasa highway is a vital artery linking the capital with the coastal city of Mombasa. It has a history of serious accidents, including a previous crash three weeks earlier that killed 17 people. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has identified the stretch of road where the latest collision occurred as a designated “accident black spot” and has issued recommendations to improve safety.

Speeding and poor road conditions have repeatedly been cited as contributing factors in road accidents on this highway. The NTSA’s designation of the area as a black spot reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of the route.

Why it matters

The crash adds to a series of fatal road incidents on the same highway, underscoring the urgent need for road safety measures. The fatalities include a mix of passengers and crew, and the injuries sustained by survivors highlight the severity of the impact. The incident also raises questions about vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and enforcement of speed limits on this busy corridor.

The government’s vow of a road safety crackdown, announced after the earlier 17‑person death, is now being tested by this latest tragedy. The NTSA’s recommendations, if implemented, could potentially reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future.

What happens next

Police are conducting investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. The Makueni County Commissioner has indicated that the death toll may increase as more information becomes available. The NTSA remains involved in assessing the safety of the highway segment and may enforce its recommendations to address the identified risks.

No further details on specific remedial actions or timelines have been released at this time.