Government to Cover Medical and Burial Costs for Naivasha Train-Bus Crash Victims

Government to Cover Medical and Burial Costs for Naivasha Train-Bus Crash Victims

NAIVASHA — The government has pledged to fully cover medical and burial expenses for victims of the tragic collision between a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus and a Kenya Railways cargo train in Naivasha, which has so far claimed nine lives.

The Thursday evening crash left eight people dead on the spot, with two more succumbing to their injuries on Friday morning while undergoing treatment in hospital.

Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban confirmed that the government, in partnership with KPC, will provide all necessary support to the affected families. Speaking after visiting survivors at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital in Naivasha, Mr. Liban said medical bills for the injured and funeral expenses for the deceased would be fully catered for.

“This tragic and unfortunate accident claimed the lives of nine KPC staff members — six men and three women — and left more than 20 others injured. The government will stand with the families during this difficult time,” he said.

Mr. Liban noted that 19 people were still receiving treatment — 14 at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital in Naivasha, two at the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital, and three others transferred to Aga Khan and Kijabe hospitals. He commended emergency responders for their swift action during the evacuation and assured that all affected staff would receive counselling and psychosocial support.

The PS also expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents in Kenya, which have increased by 34 per cent nationwide, and urged motorists and pedestrians to exercise greater caution.

KPC Managing Director Joe Sang echoed the government’s commitment, confirming that all survivors in hospital were in stable condition and expected to be discharged soon. He explained that the victims were travelling to Naivasha town after completing their morning shift at KPC’s Morendat plant when the collision occurred.

Mr. Sang said that joint investigations with Kenya Railways were underway to establish the cause of the accident and implement measures to prevent future tragedies.

Survivors have recounted harrowing details of the crash. Sammy Kirop, admitted to the Nairobi Women’s Hospital, said he had sustained back injuries but was recovering well. ICT officer Lionel recalled seeing the train approaching just seconds before impact, while survivor Dennis Wahome claimed the train failed to issue warning signals before ramming into the bus.

“The driver could not see the oncoming train due to poor weather and reduced visibility, and the train failed to signal as usual,” Wahome said.

On Friday morning, grief engulfed the Naivasha Sub-County mortuary as relatives gathered to identify the bodies of their loved ones. Mortuary records list the deceased as Gerald Motieri, Stephen Akello, Jennifer Cherotich, Cherono Koech, Samuel Mburu, Dennis Wanjala, Daniel Mulei, Agnes Awinja, and Leakeyoboyo Okinda — all casual labourers at the Naivasha-based oil and gas facility.

Authorities have assured the public that findings from the investigation will be made public and that the recommendations will be acted upon to enhance transport safety in the region.