The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued an alert to motorists over possible traffic congestion along Mombasa Road at the Athi River section in Machakos County.
KeNHA, in a statement on Friday morning, attributed the traffic snarl-up to an overloaded truck that had been intercepted, blocking one side of the highway.
"Motorists plying Mombasa Road at Athi River, Nairobi-bound, are advised to exercise caution while driving, as an overloaded truck has been intercepted, blocking one side of the road," KeNHA announced.
The Authority revealed that officers from the Axle Load Enforcement Highway Unit had already been dispatched to the scene and were working to resolve the matter.
Additionally, the gridlock was worsened by an accident that occurred along the Nairobi-bound section of the highway at Maanzoni, completely blocking the road.
While issuing the alert, KeNHA urged motorists to approach both affected sections with caution and cooperate with traffic officials on the ground.
“Motorists are advised to exercise caution and cooperate with traffic marshals on site as efforts to clear the scene continue,” the Authority stated.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed a long line of vehicles, including private cars and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), with some passengers seen alighting and walking along the road.
The latest development comes a day after the government announced plans to temporarily close the road to pave the way for the Harambee Stars’ opening match in the 2024 African Nations Championships on Sunday, August 3.
Due to another match scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium, one side of the highway will be closed from the Lusaka Roundabout to the Bunyala Roundabout.
Other affected roads include Aerodrome Road, from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout, and sections of Lang’ata Road.
To ease congestion and facilitate smooth traffic flow, the Nairobi County Traffic Police have advised motorists to use alternative routes during the closure.
