Traffic Snarl on Nakuru-Nairobi Highway After Trailer Crash Kills Two

Two people, including a student, died after a trailer ran them over near the Railway Bridge along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026.

The deadly incident triggered a major traffic snarl as motorists heading into Nakuru town encountered heavy congestion during the morning rush hour.

According to initial reports, the victims had alighted from a matatu and continued on foot because of heavy traffic before the trailer struck them near the Railway Bridge.

One of the victims was identified as a student from St. Joseph Primary School, while preliminary reports identified the other as a boda boda rider.

Nakuru-Nairobi Highway Traffic Snarl After Trailer Crash

Following the collision, the crash disrupted movement along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, forcing motorists approaching Nakuru town to slow down as emergency teams responded to the scene.

Preliminary accounts indicated that the trailer may have developed brake problems before it hit the two victims.

Authorities had yet to issue a detailed account of the circumstances that led to the crash.

As responders worked at the scene, members of the public gathered around the area while traffic continued to build along the busy highway.

Kenya Records Thousands of Road Deaths

The latest Nakuru-Nairobi Highway crash adds to a series of road accidents reported across Kenya in recent days, further highlighting the country’s road safety challenges.

According to NTSA data, 3,995 people died in road crashes between January 1 and October 4, 2026, while thousands more suffered serious injuries during the same period.

Also Read: Part of Nakuru-Eldoret Highway Closed After Fuel Tanker Explodes

Meanwhile, authorities continue to identify dangerous road sections and strengthen enforcement measures as they seek to reduce road deaths.

Earlier on October 6, a fuel tanker exploded at Sachangwan along the Salgaa-Nakuru stretch of the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.

The Kenya Red Cross said its team attended to two casualties while a multi-agency team contained the fire.

NPS Intensifies Road Safety Enforcement

Against this backdrop, the National Police Service raised concern over the recent increase in road crashes across the country in a statement issued on October 6.

“The National Police Service (NPS) notes with deep concern the recent increase in road traffic accidents, particularly over the past few days. These incidents have resulted in loss of life, severe injuries, destruction of property and other grave consequences,” NPS stated.

In response to the rising number of crashes, the Service attributed many accidents to human error, including reckless driving and overtaking, speeding, driver fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Also Read: Ruto Mourns 17 Catholic Pilgrims Killed in Salama Road Accident Involving Matatu and Lorry

Consequently, NPS called on traffic officers to step up enforcement and protect road users across the country.

At the same time, the Service urged motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to observe traffic laws and exercise caution while using public roads.

Beyond enforcement, NPS also highlighted the responsibility of individual road users in preventing crashes.

“While enforcement remains central to road transport, general road safety depends to a large extent on discipline and basic common sense, underpinned by the self-evident truth that road safety is a shared responsibility. We must all play our individual part in protecting lives,” the Service stated.

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Firefighters from Nakuru County Government putting out the fire from the LPG Tanker explosion at Salgaa along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on October 6, 2026. PHOTO/ Engr Kuria Mungai Facebook