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Major roads likely to experience traffic snarl-up as schools reopen
23rd August, 2026 11:41 AM
The reopening of schools on Monday, August 24, 2026, is likely to bring heavier traffic to some of Kenya’s major roads as parents, school buses, matatus and other motorists return to the roads at the same time.
The morning rush could be especially busy as parents take children to school while other commuters head to work.
The increase in vehicles can affect roads that are normally busy even without school traffic. Drop-offs, pickups, school buses and increased pedestrian movement can slow vehicles around school zones and major junctions.
Motorists using some of the country’s busiest roads may therefore need to leave earlier and allow extra time for their journeys as schools reopen.
Thika Road
Thika Road is likely to experience increased traffic as schools reopen, particularly during the morning rush. The major corridor serves motorists travelling between Nairobi and areas such as Kasarani, Roysambu, Githurai, Ruiru and beyond.
The road carries a large number of commuters each day, and the return of school traffic could add more vehicles during peak hours. Parents dropping children off along routes connected to the highway could also contribute to delays.
Motorists using Thika Road may therefore need to plan their journeys early to avoid spending more time on the road than usual.
Nakuru Highway
The Nakuru Highway is another major route that could experience increased traffic as schools reopen. The highway carries motorists travelling between Nairobi and towns and counties along the route.
School buses, matatus and private vehicles returning to the road could increase pressure during peak hours. Motorists travelling through busy towns and built-up areas may also encounter more pedestrians and vehicles stopping to pick up or drop off passengers.
Mombasa Road
Mombasa Road is another major route that could experience heavier traffic when schools reopen. The road carries motorists travelling between Nairobi, the airport area and other parts of the city.
Parents joining the morning commute could add more vehicles to an already busy corridor. Traffic may become slower around junctions and areas where school transport vehicles stop to pick up or drop off children.
Motorists using the road should allow extra time, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Waiyaki Way
Waiyaki Way is also expected to face additional pressure as school traffic returns. The road connects parts of western Nairobi with the city centre and serves many commuters during peak hours.
Ongoing works along the route could make movement slower in some sections. A partial closure between GTC and Kempinski on the Mombasa-bound lanes is scheduled to continue until August 31, 2026. The combination of commuter traffic, school runs, and road works could result in longer travel times for motorists.
Parents and drivers using the highway should plan their journeys and allow additional time for possible delays. Avoiding unnecessary stops and exercising extra caution around schools can also help make the roads safer as the new school term begins.
