Nine people have been confirmed dead following a tragic collision between a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus and a Kenya Railways cargo train in Morendat, Naivasha.
The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, August 7, near the Morendat Training and Conference Centre (MTCC), when the bus, which was ferrying 32 employees getting off a morning shift, was struck by a train at a railway crossing.
KPC and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum have both confirmed that the deceased include four KPC staff based at MTCC and five employees from a contracted cleaning service provider.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said, “It is with a heavy heart that the Ministry... announces the passing of 9 people… in a tragic road accident.”
KPC Managing Director Joe Sang, alongside the Principal Secretary for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, and KPC Director Mohammed Birik, visited the scene of the accident and the injured survivors receiving treatment in the hospital.
Addressing the press in Naivasha, the PS described the event as one of deep sorrow and shock. “We have lost dedicated members of our family who served their Country with commitment and honour,” he said.
Several of the injured victims are currently undergoing specialised medical care in hospitals in Naivasha and Nairobi. Some are scheduled for surgery after further evaluation. One patient at Kijabe Hospital is reportedly in stable condition and being treated for manageable fractures.
KPC thanked all those who responded swiftly to the tragedy. “We remain deeply grateful to all the First Responders, medical teams, and KPC staff — especially Mr. Julius Alolo, who was among the first on the ground,” the statement read. Alolo, from Morendat and Pump Station 23, played a key role in helping the injured.
The Ministry commended the efforts of the public and emergency crews who worked alongside KPC in rescue and evacuation efforts. “I take this opportunity to thank members of the public who responded to the tragedy,” the statement noted.
Investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the accident. The Ministry said it was working closely with government agencies, Kenya Railways, and KPC to gather more information. Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the site to allow emergency teams to complete their work.
The names of the deceased will be released after their next of kin have been notified.
KPC officials have pledged to remain in Naivasha to oversee the company's response and continue providing support to affected families and staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected families,” the KPC statement concluded. “We continue to extend the necessary support during this difficult time.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with colleagues, friends, and family mourning the loss of lives and praying for the quick recovery of those injured.
