At least eight people died after a matatu rammed into a stationary lorry at Mukhonje in Lugari along the Eldoret–Webuye highway.
Police said the accident happened on Tuesday night after the speeding matatu rammed into a lorry that had stalled on the road due to mechanical problems.
The lorry was carrying several bags of fertiliser. Western regional police boss Issa Mohamud said seven people died on the spot.
He said the lorry had stalled on the road and the crew may have failed to place warning signs for other road users.
“The matatu rammed into the lorry, killing seven passengers on the spot. Five other people were injured,” he said.
After the accident, the lorry crew fled the scene. Locals looted several bags of fertiliser the vehicle was ferrying.
On Tuesday, 18 people were killed in separate accidents across the country. This increased the tally of those killed so far this year to more than 4,500, police said. Several others have been left with serious injuries.
The accidents have had a negative impact on society at large. Those injured will leave many families struggling.
The crashes come at a time when there is growing concern over the rising number of accidents in the country.
At least 4,458 people were killed in separate road accidents between January and December 2025, according to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
By December 2, a total of 4,458 people had lost their lives on the roads, surpassing last year’s figure of 4,311 recorded by the end of the year.
The statistics highlight the growing menace on the roads, with pedestrians continuing to bear the greatest burden, as 1,685 deaths were recorded.
Drivers accounted for 403 deaths, while 723 passengers perished in various crashes involving private vehicles, buses, and matatus.
The high number of passenger fatalities raises concerns about speeding, overloading, and non-compliance with safety regulations among public service vehicles.
Motorcycle-related fatalities also remained alarmingly high.
At least 1,148 motorcyclists died, along with 432 pillion passengers, underlining the continued risks associated with boda boda transport during the period.
Some 67 pedal cyclists died during the same period, NTSA said.
Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding, and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents across the country, continuing to claim lives despite sustained public safety campaigns by NTSA.
Mechanical failures from poorly maintained vehicles, including worn tyres and faulty brakes, have also been identified as significant contributors to the growing number of crashes.
In addition to driver negligence, poor road conditions—such as potholes, confusing signage, and inadequate lighting—make travel increasingly hazardous, particularly at night.
Furthermore, weak enforcement of traffic laws, coupled with incidents of corruption at roadblocks, has allowed traffic offenders to operate with impunity, further worsening the problem on Kenyan roads.
by CYRUS OMBATI
