Motorists using the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway on Thursday night were left stranded for hours after a massive traffic gridlock developed along the busy road. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has since issued alternative routes to ease pressure on the highway and restore normal traffic flow.
In a statement, KeNHA revealed that congestion began around 8:30 pm between Naivasha and Kikopey. The situation was worsened by widespread lane indiscipline, with many drivers overlapping and blocking opposing traffic.
Compounding the problem was the unusually high number of vehicles on the road, as thousands of Kenyans had traveled to Gilgil earlier in the day for the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade. Many began their return journey to Nairobi in the evening, leading to a surge of traffic on the highway.
To address the situation, KeNHA advised motorists to consider alternative routes. Travelers leaving Gilgil have been urged to use the Gilgil–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet road, while those heading from Nairobi can bypass the congested stretch by taking the Flyover–Njambini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet route.
KeNHA added that it was working closely with traffic police officers to manage the gridlock and help restore movement along the affected section. The authority urged patience and discipline from motorists, emphasizing that overlapping worsens traffic snarls and makes it more difficult for enforcement officers to intervene.
“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 authority said.
The Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, a critical transport corridor linking the capital to western Kenya and beyond, often experiences heavy traffic, particularly during weekends, holidays, and special events. Thursday night’s incident once again highlighted the challenges of managing traffic along the route, with authorities urging long-term solutions, including expansion and better enforcement of traffic laws.
For now, KeNHA maintains that the alternative routes and increased traffic police presence should help ease the burden as normal flow resumes.
