The death toll from a deadly collision between a bus and a lorry along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has risen to 22 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries.
The accident occurred at around 7am on Sunday, October 25 in the Kanga area, beyond Mtito Andei, when the two vehicles collided head-on.
Makueni County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif had initially confirmed that 20 people had died before the number of fatalities increased to 22.
Reports indicated that the bus was carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony. The vehicle was also reported to be a church bus transporting Christian faithful who had attended a funeral service.
Several other passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to Mtito Andei Sub-County Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment. The bodies of those who died were transferred to the hospital's mortuary.
Images seen by Vantage Ke showed several people believed to have been travelling in the bus lying motionless on the road following the crash.
The exact circumstances that led to the collision remain unclear, with authorities yet to provide a comprehensive account of the incident.
The tragedy comes amid growing concerns over the frequency of fatal road accidents along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and other major routes across the country.
On Friday night, two members of the same family died in another crash near Mtito Andei after their newly acquired Toyota Probox, which they were driving from Mombasa, collided with a trailer. A third occupant was reportedly left in critical condition and was receiving medical treatment.
Other major highways, including the Nairobi-Nakuru and Nakuru-Eldoret routes, have also witnessed multiple crashes, raising concerns about road safety.
The latest incident comes as the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) intensify efforts to sensitise motorists and passengers on road safety ahead of the December festive season.
The nationwide campaign seeks to curb road accidents during the holiday period, when increased travel typically puts additional pressure on major roads.
Thousands of Kenyans are expected to travel to their rural homes and various holiday destinations to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, increasing traffic volumes across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about reckless driving during this period, with some motorists accused of speeding to reach destinations faster or complete more trips to maximise earnings.
Such behaviour, coupled with inadequate rest, can cause driver fatigue and increase the risk of collisions, endangering passengers and other road users.
The scale of the challenge was highlighted during the 2025 festive season, when more than 415 people died in road traffic crashes, representing a 23 per cent increase compared with the 2024 holiday period.
The police and NTSA are now seeking to reverse that trend through public awareness initiatives and heightened attention to road safety as the country approaches another busy travel season.
The latest highway tragedy underscores the urgency of these efforts, as families continue to lose loved ones in crashes whose causes are yet to be fully established.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the Kanga accident as investigations continue.
