Ministry of Roads and Transport Announces Tough Measures After 22 Killed in Mtito Andei Accident

Grief has gripped the country after 22 people were killed in a horrific road accident at Kanga, near Mtito Andei, along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport said the crash happened at about 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, around 10 kilometres east of Mtito Andei.

It involved a passenger bus belonging to Power of the Word Church International, Mombasa, and a commercial cement tipper truck.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicles collided head-on. Authorities said improper overtaking may have contributed to the deadly crash, although investigations are still underway to establish exactly what happened before the collision.

Several other passengers were injured and rushed to Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital and Kambu Level 4 Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. Authorities have not released full details on their condition.

Emergency responders, police officers and medical workers took part in the rescue, evacuation and treatment of victims following the crash. The National Transport and Safety Authority, National Police Service and other agencies have also launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The accident has renewed concern over rising deaths on Kenyan roads. Earlier this month, 17 people died in another road crash at Salama, also in the Mtito Andei area. The two tragedies have raised fresh questions about safety along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the repeated loss of lives could no longer be treated as normal. He said the government would pursue stronger and coordinated measures to reduce road crashes and improve accountability.

Among the planned interventions is increased funding for road safety infrastructure, particularly at identified black spots. The government also plans to intensify enforcement against speeding, dangerous driving, reckless overtaking and other traffic offences.

Authorities will further strengthen training and oversight of drivers operating commercial and public service vehicles. The Ministry said better compliance would help improve driver discipline, competence and adherence to safety rules.

The government also plans to engage Parliament, Judiciary and other stakeholders over implementation of the Commercial Vehicle Regulations 2026, Vehicle Inspection Regulations 2026 and School Transport Regulations 2026.

The measures target roadworthiness, driver accountability and fatigue management.

The Ministry has urged all road users to exercise greater caution as authorities work to establish the full cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies.

PeterPetro feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com