Hundreds of motorists and passengers were left stranded in a grueling 12-hour traffic snarl-up along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway from Friday evening to Saturday morning. The traffic gridlock, which began around 6 p.m. on Friday, only started clearing at approximately 11 a.m. the following day, causing major delays and frustration among road users.
The cause of the massive traffic jam remains unclear, as no accidents or major incidents were reported along the stretch of the highway that was affected. The unexpected standstill forced many travelers to spend the night inside their vehicles, braving the cold and insecurity.
Several commuters expressed their distress over the ordeal, citing missed appointments, business losses, and physical exhaustion. Long-distance drivers ferrying goods also reported financial losses, as they were unable to deliver cargo on time.
“This is not the first time such a thing has happened,” said James Mwangi, a truck driver who was stuck near Naivasha. “We have seen similar standstills during holidays and weekends. It’s very frustrating, especially when there’s no clear reason.”
Local leaders and affected travelers are now renewing calls for the government to fast-track the proposed upgrade of the Nairobi-Nakuru highway into a dual carriageway. The current single-lane road struggles to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles, especially during peak travel times.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has previously announced plans to expand the highway into a modern dual carriageway under a public-private partnership. However, progress on the project has been slow, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure.
Transport experts have linked such occurrences to poor road planning, lack of traffic management systems, and the growing volume of vehicles using the highway. Seasonal travel peaks, particularly during weekends and holidays, also worsen the situation.
As pressure mounts, stakeholders are urging swift intervention to avoid a repeat of such debilitating traffic disruptions. For now, road users remain wary, hoping that the authorities will act decisively to enhance one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
