Early Sunday, tragedy struck on the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway when a matatu collided head-on with a truck in Miasenyi, Taita Taveta County, killing seven people and leaving several others injured. The incident has reignited calls for urgent safety interventions along the busy transport corridor.

According to eyewitnesses, the matatu was en route to Mombasa when it attempted to overtake another vehicle. In the process, it collided with an oncoming truck. Rescue teams arrived promptly, but seven lives — including the matatu driver’s — were lost instantly. Survivors were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital in Voi for emergency treatment.

The accident has provoked grief and anger among relatives and other road users, many of whom fault the authorities for continued neglect of highway safety. Bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary, while survivors remain under medical care.

Authorities have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash, examining factors such as reckless overtaking, speeding, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance. They have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly as festive travel season traffic surges.

The Nairobi–Mombasa Highway has a long history of fatal accidents. Head-on collisions and multi-vehicle pile-ups have claimed dozens of lives over the years. Road safety advocates argue that structural improvements, better enforcement of traffic laws, and public awareness campaigns are urgently needed to prevent further tragedies.

This latest disaster underscores the vulnerability of travelers on Kenya’s main highways. Key concerns include:Reckless overtaking and unsafe driving practices,poor enforcement of existing traffic laws, inadequate road infrastructure to handle increasing traffic volumes.

With Christmas and New Year travel looming, authorities face mounting pressure to improve safety standards and protect lives. As investigations unfold, the nation watches closely, hoping decisive action will prevent a repeat of such a grim tragedy.