31 Kenyans killed in road accidents in the first six days of 2026

The death toll from road crashes across the country in the first six days of the year has risen to at least 31 after eight more people lost their lives on Tuesday in separate accidents in Kericho and Baringo counties.

On Tuesday, six people died in Kericho County, while 25 survivors who were injured continue to receive treatment at the Kericho County Referral Hospital.

Passengers said the bus driver was speeding at the time of the accident.

The survivors were among 64 passengers aboard a bus belonging to Uwezo Company that rammed into a trailer at Tunnel Mendera along the Londiani–Muhoroni road.

One of the bus co-drivers, Samuel Magambo, who survived the ordeal, recounted the moments before the crash.

“Niliendesha hadi Naivasha, tukapigiwa simu dereva mwingine achukue aende achukue gari ingine, nichukue Kisumu. Nikaenda nyuma kulala. Nikashuka dereva wa pili akachukua. Dereva nikama alikuwa amesinzia akiwa kwa steering,” Magambo said.

Kericho County health services coordinator Florence Waiboke added: “Thirty-three patients were taken to Fort Tenan. They were stabilised, and the ones who needed specialised care were brought to Kericho Referral Hospital.”

Passengers who were en route to Port Victoria in Busia County from Nairobi blamed the bus driver, alleging he was speeding.

“Nilikata gari saa saba kasoro, ikatoka saa nne. Ilikuwa imeoverload. First driver alikuwa anaenda kwa upole. Akapeana the second driver. Wa pili walikuwa mbio, kwa simu, anachew. Anapita kwa bumps anasema sorry, anaignore,” a survivor, Rosemary Adeke, said.

“Hii sehemu iko na corner nyingi na ni mteremko. Kitu ningeomba, wafuate sheria za barabarani,” stated Kericho Police Commander James Ngetich.

In Block 4 along the Nakuru–Eldoret highway, a boda boda rider and his passenger died after being hit by a trailer headed towards Nakuru. Their bodies are preserved at the Eldama Ravine Hospital mortuary.

In Kimende, Kiambu County, 45 students narrowly escaped death after the bus they were travelling in lost control and overturned. Ten of them are receiving treatment at Kijabe Hospital with various injuries.

“Like this accident, nikama dereva alikuwa amechoka akili. Ikacause accident. Long-distance cars should have two drivers,” Kimende resident George Njoroge.