A Tahmeed bus travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa caught fire along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, leaving the vehicle severely damaged.
According to a report shared by TV47 Kenya, the incident occurred at Kiunduani in Kibwezi, Makueni County. All passengers were reportedly evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
Images from the scene showed the bus badly damaged by the fire, with much of its exterior blackened and several sections appearing to have been destroyed by the flames.
The incident resulted in the loss of passengers’ luggage and personal belongings, according to the report. However, the available information did not indicate how many passengers were aboard the bus when the fire broke out.
The cause of the fire had not been established in the initial report. It was also unclear what triggered the incident or whether the bus had developed a mechanical problem before the flames started.
The safe evacuation of passengers prevented injuries from being reported in the incident. However, those affected are likely to face the inconvenience of losing their belongings and making alternative travel arrangements to reach their destinations.
The incident adds to concerns about vehicle fires involving long-distance passenger buses on Kenyan highways. Similar incidents have occurred on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in previous years, with passengers sometimes forced to abandon burning vehicles to escape danger.
In September 2026, a Tahmeed bus travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa caught fire in Voi, Taita Taveta County. Preliminary reports at the time indicated that two rear tyres had burst before the fire broke out, although the exact cause had not been established. Passengers escaped without injuries.
Such incidents highlight the importance of regular vehicle inspections, proper maintenance and prompt action whenever a potential safety problem is detected.
Public transport operators are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy and that appropriate safety measures are in place to protect passengers.
Drivers and conductors also need to remain alert to warning signs such as smoke, unusual smells or mechanical faults and take appropriate action when a problem arises.
Further information is needed to establish the cause of Wednesday’s fire and whether any investigations have been launched.