Motorists and passengers using the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway and the Kamandura-Mai Mahiu Road have been caught up in heavy traffic snarl-up compelling them to spend hours on that stretch.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) attributed the heavy traffic volume to some motorists failing to observe lane discipline.
Following the gridlock, KeNHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u advised hundreds of motorists to observe lane discipline. Kung’u stated that it would open up the section of the road and guarantee their safety.
“The Authority has observed a surge in traffic volumes along the Rironi-Naivasha – Nakuru (A8) Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8S) Road,” KeNHA’s statement read in part.
“Motorists plying these routes are advised to exercise patience and observe lane discipline for their safety and that of other road users,” it added.
Further, the authority announced that law enforcement officers had been deployed to help control traffic to allow hundreds of passengers to reach their destinations.
This is after a section of the travellers lamented over spending hours on that Nakuru- Nairobi Highway stretch on Friday, December 20, 2024.
“The Authority, with the support of traffic police, are at hand to give the necessary guidance and traffic control for a smooth flow in a bid to ensure you reach your destinations safely and without delays,” KeNHA announced.
Alternative routes
As traffic officers work around the clock to sort out Nakuru-Nairobi Highway traffic, KeNHA advised motorists to consider alternative routes to help them reach their destinations on time.
Motorists have been urged to use the Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route.
Other alternative roads suggested by the Authority included the Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route and the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau-Narok-Nakuru highway.
Travel advisory along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway pic.twitter.com/7buUhRIUwy
— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) December 20, 2024
The National Police Service had earlier announced a crackdown on vehicles this festive season. Addressing the press, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja noted that the operation would help reduce cases of accidents.
While recalling the police officers on leave, he also pleaded with motorists to observe traffic rules to avoid causing blunders leading to accidents.