At least 10 people lost their lives in a devastating road accident early Friday morning, January 3, along the Eldoret-Kitale Highway near Soy.
The collision involved a Great Rift Shuttle matatu and a lorry, which crashed head-on around 7 a.m., leaving the front of the matatu mangled. Among the fatalities was the matatu’s driver.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the accident occurred after the lorry driver lost control, veering into the oncoming matatu. Of the 12 passengers onboard, only three children survived, albeit with injuries.
“The matatu had 12 passengers, and only three children survived,” Mwanthi stated, adding that rescue teams worked to extricate passengers trapped in the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crash took place on a narrow section of the road near Soy Market. The matatu was en route to Eldoret, while the lorry was heading to Kitale.
Footage from the scene revealed multiple vehicles, including the matatu and a private car, severely damaged.
The tragedy marks the deadliest road accident in 2025 so far. Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the collision.
“We urge motorists to exercise caution and avoid speeding,” Mwanthi advised.
Road safety remains a significant concern in Kenya. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 4,282 people lost their lives on Kenyan roads between January and November 2024. Pedestrians accounted for 1,637 deaths, motorcyclists for 1,045, passengers for 788, and drivers for 369.
The Eldoret-Kitale Highway crash serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter road safety measures.
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