8 people killed in Nakuru-Eldoret Highway accident
By Dan Kauna, July 4, 2026Eight people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret highway on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The night crash involved an 11-seater public service matatu and a heavy trailer at the well-known Nyanja black spot within the Kamara area.
The accident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when the trailer driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the oncoming matatu.
The public service vehicle, which belonged to the Crossroad Sacco, was heading towards Eldoret from Nakuru at the time of the crash.
The heavy impact of the collision forced the matatu off the road, sending it plunging into a roadside ditch.
Death toll rises to eight
Five passengers lost their lives on the spot from injuries sustained in the crash. Emergency responders and residents rushed to the scene to help rescue survivors trapped inside the matatu wreckage.
Five other injured passengers were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The death toll rose to eight by Saturday morning, July 4, 2026, as more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage the heavy traffic build-up and secure the area.
The wreckage of both the matatu and the trailer was later towed to the Mau Summit Police Station for further vehicle inspection.
Meanwhile, grieving families have gathered at the Londiani Hospital Mortuary. The bodies of the deceased passengers were moved to the facility pending formal identification and post-mortem examinations.
Police warn motorists over rainy season
The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about safety along the Nyanja stretch, a section of the highway notorious for frequent traffic accidents. Police have urged drivers using the highway to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the ongoing wet weather conditions that have made local roads slippery.
Speaking to local media on the seasonal dangers of the route, Area Base Commander Willy Lagat noted that “Nyanja has been a black spot, especially during rainy seasons,” before appealing to motorists to be careful and reduce their speed whenever they approach the bridge.
This latest crash adds to the worrying number of highway accidents reported across the country. Transport stakeholders continue to call on all motorists to strictly observe traffic rules, maintain safe driving distances, and avoid overtaking at dangerous corners to prevent further loss of lives on Kenyan roads.