Motorists using the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway experienced traffic chaos for the second consecutive day on Saturday as many rushed to their destinations for Christmas festivities.
Despite the deployment of additional police officers to manage traffic, numerous motorists and passengers expressed frustration over being stuck on the road. According to police spokesperson Resila Onyango, the situation worsened due to a bus accident in the Kimende area early Saturday morning.
“There was a bus accident at Kimende that slowed the traffic, but it has been removed, and traffic is now flowing, though slowly,” Onyango said.
Some motorists reported starting their journeys as early as 2 a.m. However, others said they left Nairobi at 4 a.m. and became stranded near Limuru. Passengers, stranded for hours, resorted to taking strolls to buy tea and snacks.
The traffic gridlock began on Friday, December 20, in the morning and persisted throughout the day until around 10 p.m. when police reported improved flow. However, the chaos resumed Saturday morning as more vehicles joined the highway. Overnight rains further complicated the situation, with similar congestion reported on the Mai Mahiu route, prompting the deployment of additional police officers.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi shared his ordeal, saying he was stuck for over 12 hours. “I left Nairobi at 5 a.m., hoping to reach Kitale early for a 1 p.m. event at Kitale National Polytechnic. After encountering heavy traffic at Limuru, Kikopey, Nakuru town, and Eldoret, I’ve only just arrived home,” he wrote.
On Saturday, while more officers were stationed along the route, the chaos persisted. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed deploying reinforcement teams, including General Duty Police Officers and a police chopper from the National Police Service Airwing, to assist the Traffic Police Unit in clearing and ensuring a free flow of vehicles.
“The National Police Service appeals to all motorists to adhere to traffic regulations by observing speed limits, using roadworthy vehicles, and avoiding overlapping,” Kanja said.
The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) acknowledged the congestion and advised motorists to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and consider alternative routes. KeNHA Director-General Eng. Kungu Ndung’u urged drivers to prioritize road safety, adding that traffic police were on-site to provide guidance.
Motorists were encouraged to use alternative routes, including:
- Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru
- Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru
- Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru
Heavy traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway is a common occurrence during the festive season, as it serves as a major route for travelers heading to the Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley regions.
