The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, issued a notice explaining the situation that caused heavy traffic on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
KeNHA announced that the traffic snarl-up at the Soko Mjinga on the busy highway was caused by protesting locals.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) would like to inform all motorists plying the Nairobi – Nakuru Highway of a traffic snarl-up round Soko Mjinga area arising from earlier protests by locals,” part of the notice issued by KeNHA said.
The road authority further informed motorists that police had intervened and were restoring the normal flow of traffic at Soko Mjinga.
“Police have already dispersed the protesters and are currently restoring traffic flow,” the notice said.
KeNHA additionally cautioned motorists plying the busy route to exercise caution and observe traffic controls.
“Motorists plying this route are advised to exercise caution and observe traffic controls. We highly regret any inconvenience caused,” the authority said.
Heavy traffic
The Nakuru-Nairobi Highway is one of the busiest routes in Kenya in terms of traffic flow.
Last year, motorists were forced to spend a night on the road due to a heavy traffic snarl-up occasioned by the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally competition in Naivasha.
Reacting to concerns from members of the public, KeNHA attributed the congestion to overlapping and impatient motorists.
The authority advised motorists to use alternative roads including the Naivasha – Njabini – Olkalou- Ol Joro Orok – Lanet – Nakuru roads and vice versa.
