22 Dead as Tragic Mtito Andei Crash Stalls Traffic on Nairobi-Mombasa Highway

At least 22 people died on Sunday morning in a head-on collision between a bus and a lorry on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, less than two weeks after 17 people were killed along the same stretch.

The crash occurred between 7 am and 8 am in the Kanga area, past Mtito Andei, bringing traffic on the key transport corridor to a complete standstill. The bus was ferrying church members returning to Nairobi from a burial ceremony in Mombasa when it collided with the trailer.

Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif confirmed the death toll, noting that several other passengers sustained serious injuries. The casualties were rushed to Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital, while the deceased were taken to the facility’s mortuary.

Dr Kevin Wamalwa, the Medical Superintendent at Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital, said emergency teams began attending to victims shortly after 8 am. He noted that several passengers died on the spot, while others succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.

The disaster exposes the ongoing hazards along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway just as safety agencies launch nationwide enforcement drives ahead of the December holiday period. The route remains one of the country's most dangerous, coming just two days after two family members died near Mtito Andei when their car rammed into a trailer on Friday night.

Police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) recently intensified sensitisation campaigns to curb holiday road accidents. Official data shows that more than 415 people died in road traffic crashes during the 2025 festive period, representing a 23 per cent increase compared to 2024.

Authorities attribute the rise in holiday crashes to reckless driving, fatigue, and speeding as public service vehicle operators attempt to make extra trips. Authorities also point to mechanical issues such as faulty brakes and worn tyres, along with poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and confusing signage.