Kenyans travelling upcountry for the festive period have been directed to avoid the Nairobi-Nakuru highway due to the heavy traffic congestion being experienced.
Those who began travelling on Friday, December 20, have been stranded along the busy highway for hours.
According to a post by St John Ambulance, the congestion is between Kimende and Flyover, as well as along the Limuru-Mai Mahiu stretch.
In photos seen by Kenyans.co.ke some motorists had abandoned their vehicles by the roadside.
"There is heavy traffic congestion along Nairobi Nakuru Highway between Kimende and Flyover and also along the Limuru - Maimahiu stretch. Avoid the area if you can," the post by St John Ambulance warned.
Kenyans travelling have been urged to use alternative routes, including the Nairobi-Naivasha and Gilgil routes.
As is customary during the festive season, many Kenyans are travelling to their various rural homes. While addressing the state of security ahead of the festive season, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to prioritise safety.
Mudavadi urged all motorists, especially Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers on long-distance routes, to drive carefully and obey traffic regulations.
To curb road accidents, the government will intensify highway patrols, enforce vehicle roadworthiness, and crack down on illegal and unlicensed Public Service Vehicles.
“Every officer must be actively engaged in monitoring, reporting and addressing any issues of non-compliance to road safety regulations. This is critical to the National Road Safety Goal of reducing road traffic fatalities by 5 per cent before 2028,” Mudavadi said.
Meanwhile, Kenyans have also been advised to prepare for an increase in travel fares. The Matatu Owners Association, which oversees much of the public transport sector in the country, said fares would go up.
According to the association, the recent decline in fuel prices will not be reflected in fare prices.
The association's president, Albert Karakacha, explained that the cost of running the matatu business had increased due to the rising cost of spare parts and daily maintenance. This, he said, had prevented them from reducing fares, as the small savings on fuel are offset by the expenses on spare parts.
