A tragic accident claimed six lives on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after an ambulance crashed near Kimende along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway.
The victims included a patient, her husband, two relatives, a nurse, and the driver. They were on an emergency transfer when the ambulance lost control at a notorious black spot, once again exposing the dangers of one of Kenya’s busiest and deadliest highways.
A Highway of Black Spots
The Nakuru–Nairobi route, part of the vital Northern Corridor, has long been plagued by fatal crashes. According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), areas such as Kinungi, Gilgil, and Kimende remain high-risk zones. Frequent causes include overspeeding, poor road design, and congestion from heavy traffic.
Saturday’s crash has reignited calls for urgent road safety interventions, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and better emergency response systems. Advocates stress that without concrete action, tragedies along the highway will continue to devastate families and communities.
A Deadly Weekend on the Road
The ambulance crash came just a day after another major accident along the same highway. On Friday, a multi-vehicle collision near Gilgil caused massive traffic disruptions. A truck overturned between Kikopey and St Mary’s Hospital, blocking both lanes and leaving motorists stranded for hours in cold evening weather. Police and emergency responders worked late into the night to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow.
Renewed Urgency for Action
As Kenya grapples with road safety challenges, the back-to-back tragedies highlight the vulnerability of both road users and emergency medical teams. The incident has intensified pressure on authorities to strengthen road safety measures on the Northern Corridor and across the country.
