The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has urged motorists intending to travel between Nairobi and Nakuru to use the Gilgil - Olkalou - Dundori - Lanet, and Flyover - Njambini - Olkalou - Dundori - Lanet routes due to a traffic congestion along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
Hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight on the key highway following a massive traffic jam that began at around 8:30pm on Thursday, August 28.
The traffic congestion was confirmed by KeNHA, which revealed that it stretched between Naivasha and Kikopey and was triggered by lane indiscipline and an unusually high volume of vehicles.
“The Authority regrets to bring it to the attention of the public that from around 2030 hrs yesterday, congestion developed along the Nakuru - Nairobi Highway,’’ KeNHA said.
According to KeNHA, the situation was worsened by overlapping and reckless driving, which led to a complete standstill on the busy highway.
Frustrated drivers and passengers spent more than 10 hours stuck in traffic, with some reporting delays of up to 15 hours.
KeNHA also attributed the congestion to the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade held in Gilgil on Thursday. Thousands of attendees, including dignitaries and families of recruits, travelled to and from the event, overwhelming the highway’s capacity.
“The increase in traffic could also be attributed to a high number of motorists who travelled to attend yesterday’s NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil,’’ KeNHA said.
KeNHA expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured the public that efforts were underway to restore normal traffic flow.
“The Authority is working closely with the traffic police to help ease the situation, and normal traffic flow is expected to resume gradually throughout the course of the day,’’ KeNHA assured.
Meanwhile, drivers have been urged to observe lane discipline and avoid overlapping, as it would make it impossible to ease the congestion.
Long-distance bus companies have also issued travel advisories to their customers, warning of delayed departures and arrivals. Among those who were stranded are school students travelling for the school's reopening.
