Bus crash on Nairobi’s Valley Road kills one, injures dozens

A commuter bus lost control during Monday morning rush hour on Nairobi Valley Road, crashing into several vehicles and leaving one person dead and dozens injured, police said.

The crash occurred on 9 March 2026 when the City Shuttle bus was descending the hilly Valley Road before the driver reportedly lost control.

Police said the bus ploughed into vehicles ahead of it and several oncoming cars, trapping drivers and passengers inside the wreckage.

Emergency responders and members of the public rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped in the damaged vehicles.

Authorities said the injured were taken to various hospitals across Nairobi for treatment. The identity of the person killed in the crash had not been released by police.

Valley Road is a key route connecting Nairobi central business district with surrounding neighbourhoods and is often heavily congested during morning and evening rush hours.

The crash caused a major traffic jam along the busy road as police and emergency teams responded to the incident.

Officers diverted motorists to alternative routes while recovery teams cleared the damaged vehicles and debris from the road.

Witnesses said several vehicles were involved in the crash, leaving twisted metal scattered across sections of the highway.

Police said investigations have begun to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether speeding, driver error or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.

The incident comes amid growing concerns about road safety across Kenya, where fatal crashes continue to claim thousands of lives every year.

Government statistics show that close to 5,000 people died in road accidents in 2025, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Officials say reckless overtaking, speeding and drunk driving remain among the leading causes of accidents on Kenyan roads despite ongoing safety campaigns by National Transport and Safety Authority.

Mechanical problems linked to poorly maintained vehicles — including worn tyres and faulty brakes — have also been identified as major contributors to crashes.

Poor road conditions such as potholes, confusing road signage and inadequate street lighting further increase the risk of accidents for motorists and pedestrians.

Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved vehicle inspections to help reduce the growing number of fatalities.