KeNHA issues alternative routes after massive traffic jam on Nakuru–Nairobi Highway

Hundreds of motorists using the busy Nakuru–Nairobi Highway were caught in a massive traffic jam Thursday night, prompting the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to issue an urgent travel advisory and direct road users to alternative routes.

The snarl-up began around 8:30 pm and quickly escalated into a full-blown gridlock between Naivasha and Kikopey.

KeNHA attributed the congestion to poor lane discipline among drivers and a surge in the number of vehicles on the road following the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade held earlier in Gilgil.

In a public notice, KeNHA explained the extent of the traffic situation and the factors that led to it.

“The Authority regrets to bring to the attention of the public that from around 2030hrs yesterday, congestion developed along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. This was worsened by lane indiscipline, which resulted in a traffic gridlock that is currently being experienced between Naivasha and Kikopey,” read part of the statement.

To ease movement, KeNHA advised motorists to avoid the affected stretch and instead use alternative roads.

Those coming from Gilgil were directed to take the Gilgil–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet route. Travelers heading from Nairobi were urged to use the Flyover–Njambini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet route as a bypass to escape the jam.

The authority also assured the public that efforts were underway to clear the congestion. It said it was working in close coordination with traffic police officers stationed along the highway to help restore the normal flow of vehicles.

KeNHA further called on drivers to cooperate with traffic officers and follow road rules to help ease the situation.

“Motorists are urged to observe lane discipline and avoid overlapping, as it will make it impossible to ease the congestion. Normal traffic flow is expected to resume gradually through the course of the morning,” the statement read.

Motorists were advised to remain patient and cautious as the cleanup process continued into the early hours of Friday.