Seven dead after matatu, trailer collide along Nairobi-Nakuru highway

Road accident at Nakuru -Nairobi Highway / Screengrab

At least seven people died in a road crash on Monday afternoon after a trailer collided with three matatus near Gilgil along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, police have confirmed.

The incident occurred in the Diatomite area, a busy stretch of the key transport corridor, when a heavy truck lost control and struck the public service vehicles. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as survivors were pulled from the wreckage.

Several passengers injured in the crash were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment, while officers cordoned off the area to manage traffic and begin investigations. Authorities said they are working to establish the precise cause of the accident.

The Nairobi–Nakuru route has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and enforcement of traffic laws to prevent further loss of life.

Earlier, the Motorist Association said at least three deaths were reported, and several passengers were believed to be trapped in the wreckage.

Traffic was also diverted around the crash site as rescue teams worked to free trapped passengers. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and exercise caution while approaching the section.

The Nairobi–Nakuru corridor is one of the country’s busiest and has recorded repeated fatal accidents at key black spots, including stretches around Gilgil and Kikopey.

 On January 14, the Commandant of Traffic Fredrick Ochieng, convened a stakeholder engagement forum to discuss road safety.

The meeting brought together officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The National Police Service in a statement said the meeting was necessitated by numerous road traffic accidents that have been recorded in various parts of the country, many of them preventable.

"Road safety remains a growing public concern that cannot be effectively addressed through short-term enforcement measures," NPS said in a statement.

"Over the years, numerous road traffic accidents, many of them preventable, have continued to occur due to factors such as speeding, impaired driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and other issues that compromise the safety of road users," NPS added.

According to NPS, there is need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to road safety management, adding that the department plays a critical role in enforcing traffic laws and promoting compliance.

It further noted that sustainable improvements can only be achieved through long-term, consistent enforcement supported by collaboration with key stakeholders across relevant sectors.