Seven Killed in Tragic Nairobi–Namanga Highway Crash

Wreckage of the Nailepu Sacco matatu after a fatal head-on collision with a lorry along the Nairobi–Namanga Highway, August 9, 2025. Seven people lost their lives in the tragedy

Seven people have lost their lives following a devastating head-on collision along the Nairobi–Namanga Highway early Saturday morning.

The accident occurred in the Korompoi area near Kitengela and involved a Nailepu Sacco 14-seater matatu and a lorry. Eyewitnesses say the crash happened when the matatu, heading towards Nairobi, collided head-on with the oncoming truck. Some reports suggest the matatu was overtaking another vehicle when the accident occurred.

The impact of the collision left the matatu mangled beyond recognition, trapping several passengers inside. Emergency responders and Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, working frantically to free survivors. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Kajiado County for urgent treatment.

Traffic on the busy highway came to a standstill for several hours as police and rescue teams cleared the wreckage. Locals, who gathered at the scene, expressed concern over the rising number of fatal accidents in the area and called for improved road safety measures, including speed checks and better signage.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has confirmed the deployment of a road safety audit team to investigate the incident. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, especially along the Nairobi–Namanga route, which has become notorious for deadly crashes in recent months.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be released as families are being notified.

This tragedy serves as another grim reminder of the human cost of road accidents in Kenya, where reckless driving, speeding, and poor road conditions continue to claim lives.

Reporting by: Kelvin Ng’ang’a
Thika, Kenya – August 9, 2025