KeNHA Issues Festive Season Travel Advisory as Traffic Snarls Hit Nairobi–Nakuru Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a travel advisory urging motorists to plan their journeys early and exercise caution following heavy traffic congestion on major roads, particularly the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway, during the ongoing festive season.

In a statement released on Sunday, December 21, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli said the sharp increase in traffic was expected due to the Christmas and New Year travel rush. 

He advised road users to allow extra travel time, especially those undertaking long-distance journeys to upcountry destinations.

Kimeli noted that traffic gridlock had been reported along several sections of the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor, with motorists experiencing long delays. 

He urged drivers to consider using alternative routes where possible to ease pressure on the affected sections and help improve traffic flow.

The KeNHA boss further appealed to motorists to strictly observe road safety rules. He warned against speeding, reckless overtaking, overlapping, and failure to maintain lane discipline, saying such behaviour had significantly worsened the congestion currently being witnessed.

“All motorists are advised to observe posted speed limits, obey traffic signs, and remain disciplined on the road. Reckless driving only increases the risk of accidents and causes unnecessary delays for everyone,” Kimeli said.

He also issued a stern warning to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, directing them to comply with approved passenger capacity limits and adhere to designated pick-up and drop-off points. 

According to KeNHA, illegal stopping along the highway has contributed to traffic build-up and increased the risk of accidents.

Kimeli emphasised the importance of driver wellness, urging motorists to ensure they are well-rested before travelling and to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

“The Authority assures the public of its commitment to ensure a safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience for all road users,” he added.

The advisory comes as traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway entered its fourth consecutive day, with thousands of motorists stranded for hours.

The situation has been blamed largely on overlapping by drivers, lane obstruction, and the high volume of vehicles travelling during the festive season.

Some of the worst-hit areas include the Mai Mahiu stretch in Naivasha and the Salgaa–Mau Summit section, where vehicles have been moving at a crawling pace. 

Videos and images shared on social media showed long queues of buses, private vehicles, and heavy commercial trucks stretching for kilometres.

Several motorists reported spending hours on the road, with some forced to sleep in their vehicles overnight due to the severe gridlock. 

Passenger groups and motorists’ associations have called on authorities to deploy more traffic police to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to permanently addressing congestion along the busy highway. 

He recently announced plans to dual the 175-kilometre Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit road to improve traffic flow and enhance safety.

Construction works are already underway on the Rironi section, where President Ruto last month officially flagged off the Ksh170 billion road expansion project. 

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion along one of Kenya’s most important transport corridors.