Several people are feared dead following an accident involving a trailer and a North Rift matatu at Kondoo along the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway near Burnt Forest.
The accident occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, according to the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya, with preliminary reports indicating that five passengers travelling in the matatu died at the scene.
“A tragic road accident has been reported at Kondoo along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway, involving a trailer and a North Rift matatu.
Preliminary reports indicate that five passengers in the matatu are believed to have died on the spot,” read part of the statement.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m.
What We Know About the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway Accident Involving North Rift Shuttle
Aftermath photos seen by The Kenya Times show the scene of a serious nighttime road accident, with emergency responders and members of the public gathered as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
The North Rift shuttle’s front section appeared extensively damaged, with its roof and upper bodywork visibly crushed and distorted, indicating the severity of the collision.
A particularly noticeable detail is an individual lying on the ground near the vehicles.
The photo also shows a police vehicle open, with people gathered around it as they assess the situation. The vehicle is positioned close to other vehicles involved in the incident.
Emergency response teams, including ambulance services and traffic police officers, were to the scene to assist those involved.
Other members of the public are gathered along the roadside, using mobile phone flashlights and handheld torches to illuminate the area.
Also Read: Key Routes and Locations Where Fatal Accidents Happen When Travelling to Mombasa Revealed
NTSA Nationwide Crackdown on Highways
The accident comes amid an intensified nationwide road safety campaign by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service ahead of the festive season.
The two agencies have launched a 24-hour enforcement operation dubbed “Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani”, targeting motorists and public service vehicles across the country.
Crackdown includes increased daytime and nighttime patrols along major highways and busy transport corridors, with authorities placing particular attention on late-night travel, when fatal road crashes are frequently reported.
Among the key offences being targeted are speeding, drunk driving, overloading and failure to comply with speed limiter requirements. Officers are also checking vehicle documentation, including driving licences, PSV badges, insurance certificates, inspection stickers and Road Service Licences.
Also Read: NTSA Unveils Day and Night Crackdown, Lists Offences Motorists Will Face
The operation further targets vehicles with mechanical defects such as broken headlights, cracked windscreens and worn-out tyres, alongside violations involving passenger manifests, driver records and designated routes.
NTSA and police are also enforcing seatbelt requirements for motorists and passengers, as well as mandatory helmets, reflectors and protective gear for motorcycle riders.
During the operation, officers will use real-time speed monitoring systems and inspect vehicle speed limiters to establish whether they are functioning and transmitting live data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
NTSA has also cautioned motorists against fraudulent speed violation messages, urging the public to disregard suspicious texts claiming to originate from the Authority. It clarified that all genuine traffic violation alerts are sent exclusively through its official SMS sender ID, NTSA.
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