Seven killed in Nairobi-Mombasa highway crash involving matatu and truck

The scene where a matatu collided head-on with a truck at Miasenyi in Taita-Taveta county along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway on December 7, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, December 7, 2025

The bodies of those who died have been taken to the Moi Referral Hospital-Voi morgue, and the injured were admitted to the same facility for urgent care.

Several people lost their lives on Sunday morning when a matatu collided head-on with a truck at Miasenyi in Taita-Taveta county along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

At least seven people, including the matatu driver, reportedly died on the spot, while others were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital-Voi for treatment.

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Eyewitnesses said the matatu, operated by Kinatwa company and heading towards Mombasa, was overtaking other vehicles when it collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction.

Photos circulating online showed the front of the matatu destroyed, with windows shattered and the vehicle rendered beyond repair, while the truck sustained minor damage.

The bodies of those who died have been taken to the Moi Referral Hospital-Voi morgue, and the injured were admitted to the same facility for urgent care. Emergency responders and police were at the scene to assist survivors and investigate the cause of the crash.

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) confirmed the accident, blaming the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for failing to upgrade the Nairobi-Mombasa highway into a dual carriageway over the past 20 years.

“Kinatwa heading to Mombasa head-on trailer. Several travellers have died. Three people were reported to have survived with serious injuries. We blame it on KeNHA’s 20-year lack of making the highway dual,” the association said.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) said it has immediately deployed a team of road safety auditors and inspectors to the scene to conduct a detailed analysis.

"Kinatwa Sacco is fully cooperating with the Authority and all relevant agencies as comprehensive investigations into the cause of the crash continue. We call on all public service, commercial and private vehicle drivers to exercise maximum caution on our roads. Drive safely by adhering to speed limits, overtaking responsibly, taking breaks when fatigued, and remaining fully alert at all times," NTSA said in a statement.

The incident comes just two days after another tragic crash on Friday, December 5, in Bumala, Busia County, where a PSV vehicle overturned after bursting a front tyre, killing four people, including the driver, a woman and two men. Survivors of that crash were taken to Nangina Mission Hospital, and authorities launched an investigation into the cause.

Police have urged drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during the peak Christmas travel period, as the festive season continues to increase traffic along major highways.