Nakuru County, Kenya – Passengers on a Guardian Angel bus escaped unhurt after the vehicle burst into flames along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway at Soysambu on 18 August. The incident occurred around midday, causing heavy traffic as motorists stopped to help and emergency crews battled the blaze. Witnesses said the driver pulled over when he noticed smoke coming from the rear, allowing passengers to evacuate before flames engulfed the bus.

It took firefighters from Nakuru County nearly an hour to bring the fire under control. By then the bus was destroyed, leaving a burnt skeleton on the roadside. Police said the cause of the fire had not been determined but ruled out foul play. No injuries were reported, though some passengers lost personal belongings. Traffic police diverted vehicles to a single lane, creating a long tailback stretching several kilometres.

Bus fires are not uncommon on Kenyan highways. Earlier this year a long‑distance coach caught fire after its brakes jammed, and another bus burst into flames due to an overheating engine. Road safety experts have repeatedly urged operators to conduct regular maintenance and to install fire‑suppression systems. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) says it will inspect the remains of the Guardian Angel bus and audit the company’s fleet.

In a statement, Guardian Angel Bus Company said it regrets the incident and will compensate passengers for their lost property. The firm promised to work with authorities to determine what went wrong and to enhance safety protocols. Meanwhile, officials urged travellers to report any signs of mechanical failure to drivers and called on bus crews to carry fire extinguishers and undergo regular safety training.

The incident adds to concerns about the condition of Kenya’s public‑transport vehicles and the enforcement of regulations. As investigations continue, commuters are being advised to exercise caution and to patronise operators with good safety records.