A devastating road accident along the Mai Mahiu–Narok highway claimed the lives of two people, including a woman and a minor, and left several others injured on the night of Saturday, August 9, 2025. The incident, involving an ENA Coach bus, occurred at approximately 11 p.m., adding to the notorious history of fatal crashes on this perilous stretch of road.
According to a statement from ENA Coach, the bus, registered as KDE 279Q, was traveling from Nairobi to Kehancha with 47 passengers and three crew members onboard. The crash occurred as the bus descended a steep escarpment near the historical Catholic church in Mai Mahiu.
A truck, reportedly suffering brake failure, collided with two vehicles ahead before striking the bus from behind. The impact forced the bus off the road, causing it to overturn.
Rescue teams, including St. John Ambulance, police, and local residents, swiftly responded, rushing the injured to nearby hospitals. ENA Coach confirmed that most of the injured passengers have been treated, cleared, and discharged. The company is working closely with authorities to investigate the incident.
ENA Coach CEO Richard Mogire expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. We extend our deepest condolences and stand with you in this time of grief. To those injured, we offer our sincere wishes for a swift and complete recovery,” Mogire said.
He also emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities as investigations and next steps unfold. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to passenger safety and exemplary service.”
The Mai Mahiu–Narok highway, often dubbed a “tarmac graveyard” by locals, is notorious for its steep inclines, sharp curves, and inadequate signage, which contribute to frequent accidents. Mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, have been recurrent causes of disasters in the area.
In December 2024, a similar incident involving an ENA Coach bus resulted in seven deaths after a tire blowout triggered a chain of collisions. In August 2023, another bus on the same route caught fire after a wheel puncture, though all 48 passengers escaped unharmed due to rapid response efforts.
The latest crash has reignited calls for improved road safety measures, including better signage, regular vehicle inspections, and infrastructure upgrades to address the highway’s dangerous conditions. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent further loss of life on Kenya’s roads.
