KeNHA Issues Advisory to Motorists as Heavy Traffic Hits Major Highway

Traffic jam along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a travel advisory to motorists using the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, appealing for patience and lane discipline on the road to ensure safety following the tremendous traffic congestion.

In a statement on Friday, December 20, KeNHA Director General Kung'u Ndung'u confirmed that the snarl-up mainly affects the Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru and Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha roads.

He advised travellers to use alternative routes including the Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru and the Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru roads.

"The Authority, with the support of traffic police, are at hand to give the necessary guidance and traffic control for smooth flow in a bid to ensure that you reach your destinations safely and without delays," KeNHA stated.

The announcement comes after St John Ambulance reported that motorists were experiencing heavy congestion along the Limuru-Maai Mahiu stretch and between Kimende and Flyover.

Images and videos viewed by Daily Times KE showed several cars stuck, with a number of the motorists deserting their cars as lanes were blocked by overlapping cars.

Traffic snarl-up along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway

In a related development, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, in a press statement on Thursday, December 19, ordered the police to step up the crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles to ensure adherence to traffic rules.

"I direct strict enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness regulations, including ensuring that all PSVs have valid road service licenses (either for long-distance or commuter routes). This will help to ensure that only safe vehicles are on the road," Mudavadi said.

He also heightened action against illegal and unlicensed Public Service Vehicles.

As the festive season begins, many Kenyans traveling upcountry have faced extended delays on the highway, with some stranded for hours.

The police have increased patrols and urged motorists to be safe and observe traffic rules.

Travelers are also to expect higher transportation costs with the Matatu Owners Association acknowledging the increase in fares despite recent drops in fuel prices.

The congestion and all its challenges come at a time when authorities are working towards a 5% reduction of road fatalities before 2028.