The nation is in mourning after a devastating road accident along the Kisumu–Kakamega highway claimed 25 lives and left dozens injured. The crash, which occurred on Friday, involved a school bus ferrying mourners from Nyakach.
The ill-fated bus, belonging to Naki A.I.C School in Nyakach, reportedly veered off the road and overturned while navigating a roundabout. The force of the crash caused extensive damage, leaving passengers trapped in the wreckage. Emergency services responded swiftly, rescuing survivors and transporting them to hospital.
According to authorities, 32 survivors, including an 8-month-old baby, are receiving treatment at the Orthopaedic Trauma Ward of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has made an urgent appeal for blood donations to aid the victims.
“We need every willing Kenyan to step forward and donate blood for these patients who require urgent transfusions,” Dr. Oluga said.
A blood donation drive has been scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at Leresian Park, JOOTRH, starting from 9:00 AM. The event will be led by the hospital’s Blood Transfusion Unit.
Dr. Oluga commended the coordinated emergency response, noting that all survivors were admitted within three hours of the accident. He also confirmed that counseling services are being offered to affected families.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy in a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“The grisly accident along the Kisumu–Kakamega Road has left a deep wound in our hearts. Lives have been abruptly cut short and families torn apart in a moment of tragedy. To those who are mourning, we convey our heartfelt condolences and assure you of our solidarity during this painful time,” he wrote.
CS Duale said the Ministry is mobilizing all available resources to support survivors:
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to do everything humanly possible to preserve the lives of those injured—deploying every resource, every skill, and every heartbeat of compassion to ensure they have the best chance of recovery. United, we can offer comfort, solidarity, and hope in the face of this profound sorrow.”
The Ministry of Health and traffic authorities are once again urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on Kenyan roads. This latest tragedy adds to the rising number of fatal accidents in the country, with poor road conditions, speeding, and driver fatigue frequently cited as contributing factors.
As the blood drive gets underway, Kenyans are being called upon not only to donate but also to rally around the victims’ families in their hour of need.
