Motorists were left stranded for hours on the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway after a massive traffic snarl-up stretched between Naivasha and Kikopey on the evening of Thursday, August 28. The gridlock, which began around 8:30 pm, was worsened by lane indiscipline and a surge in vehicles returning from Gilgil, where a major public event had taken place earlier in the day.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed that the congestion was severe and urged motorists to consider alternative routes to ease pressure on the highway. According to the authority, overlapping and disregard for traffic rules contributed significantly to the worsening of the situation, turning the busy road into a nightmare for drivers.
Alternative Routes Recommended
To address the gridlock, two alternative routes were announced for motorists. Those travelling from Gilgil were advised to use the Gilgil–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet route, while travellers from Nairobi heading towards Nakuru could bypass the congestion by taking the Flyover–Njambini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet route.
Traffic police officers have been deployed on the ground to work with KeNHA in managing the flow of vehicles and restoring normal movement along the highway. The authority emphasized that restoring order will depend largely on cooperation from motorists, urging them to exercise patience and adhere to lane discipline.
Appeal for Lane Discipline
Motorists were cautioned against overlapping, with officials warning that such behavior only makes it impossible to ease the congestion. Drivers were reminded that maintaining lane order would allow the gradual resumption of normal traffic flow through the course of the morning.
The Nairobi–Nakuru highway is a critical transport corridor, linking the capital with the Rift Valley and western Kenya. Traffic disruptions on this road often result in significant delays, economic losses, and inconvenience to travelers.
KeNHA assured road users that the situation is being closely monitored and updates will be provided to ensure safe and efficient travel. The authority further called on all drivers to remain calm and follow instructions from officers on the ground to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
