An early morning head-on collision between a matatu and a concrete-mixer lorry near Machakos Junction has left several passengers dead. The accident disrupted traffic on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, with locals aiding rescue efforts. This incident marks the second fatal crash in the Ukambani region within 72 hours.
The crash occurred on Sunday, November 23, 2025, involving a passenger service vehicle (PSV) matatu traveling from Nairobi toward Machakos and a lorry. Preliminary investigations suggest the lorry lost control and veered into the oncoming lane, leading to the collision. The matatu's front was severely mangled, causing it to roll over and scatter luggage, including farm produce, across the road. The lorry, identified as a concrete-mixer truck, sustained front-end damage, and the fate of its driver remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses and locals quickly arrived at the scene to assist, helping to upright the overturned matatu. Rescue operations were ongoing as emergency teams worked to extricate victims. Images from the site showed the extent of the wreckage, highlighting the severity of the impact that killed several passengers instantly.
This accident follows closely on another tragedy in the region. On Saturday, a lorry lost control at Ngoluni Junction in Makueni County's Mbooni area, ramming into a stationary 14-seater matatu carrying passengers to Machakos and Nairobi. That crash claimed six lives, including four KCSE candidates.
The incidents underscore broader road safety concerns in Kenya. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 376 drivers and 681 passengers died in road accidents in 2025 up to the reporting period. Nairobi County recorded the highest fatalities at 447 between January and October, followed by Kiambu with 387, Nakuru with 318, Machakos with 173, Murang'a with 148, and Kisumu with 137.
In response to rising deaths ahead of the festive season, NTSA has outlined a multi-agency strategy in partnership with the National Police Service to enhance prevention measures.