Chaos unfolded at the Kibarani Flyover in Mombasa when a Tahmeed bus collided with a Mikindani-bound matatu, leaving several passengers injured. The accident, which occurred near the notorious Makupa Causeway, involved a 52-seater Tahmeed bus that reportedly lost control after its brakes failed, causing it to reverse uncontrollably and ram into a 14-seater matatu belonging to Miritini Sacco.
Emergency response teams arrived swiftly at the scene, ferrying at least 10 seriously injured individuals to Coast General Hospital. Witnesses described the moment as harrowing, with passengers screaming for help as the two vehicles collided violently. Several others sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site by medics and good Samaritans who rushed in to assist.
The Tahmeed bus, which had originated from Mwembe Tayari, was carrying several passengers, including students who were traveling home for the first term school break. The matatu, also full at the time, was en route to Mikindani. The timing of the accident, coinciding with a period of increased travel activity, especially by school-going children, has raised concerns about road safety during the rainy season.
The Kibarani Flyover and the Makupa Causeway area have become known for traffic congestion and frequent accidents, particularly during wet weather conditions. Slippery roads, poor visibility, and mechanical failures often contribute to such incidents, and this latest one has reignited debate about the state of infrastructure and vehicle maintenance across the county.
Eyewitnesses say the bus began to struggle with braking just before reaching the flyover. The driver’s attempt to regain control was unsuccessful, and the vehicle began rolling backward, eventually slamming into the matatu that was directly behind. The impact left both vehicles damaged, with shattered windows, crumpled metal, and strewn luggage marking the scene of the crash.
Following the incident, local leaders have stepped in to demand stricter enforcement of vehicle safety checks and road maintenance. Area Member of County Assembly, Manuari Seff Juma, emphasized the importance of cautious driving, especially under poor weather conditions. He noted that such incidents highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road audits and maintenance, particularly in accident-prone areas like Makupa and Kibarani.
Calls have also been made for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to take immediate action. Among the key demands are proper road signage, resurfacing of worn-out sections of the road, and enhanced lighting to improve visibility at night and during rainfall. Additionally, there has been a push to limit foreign involvement in sensitive road maintenance projects, with concerns raised about the performance of some foreign contractors.
As investigations continue into the root cause of the accident, authorities are urging public service vehicle operators to prioritize regular maintenance and safety checks. Meanwhile, traffic officers have promised increased surveillance along key road corridors in Mombasa to help prevent further incidents during this busy travel season.
With families preparing to receive their children back home for the school holiday, the Kibarani crash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads. For the injured, the focus now shifts to recovery, while for the rest of the city, the conversation continues around how to make Mombasa’s roads safer for all.
