The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced alternative routes for those using the Nairobi-Nakuru highway following heavy traffic congestion.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 24, the Authority warned of heavy traffic along the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road.
KeNHA urged drivers using these busy corridors to exercise caution, strictly observe lane discipline, and follow traffic rules to help ease congestion.
"KeNHA has noted a surge in traffic volumes along the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) Road," the Authority announced.
It added, "Motorists travelling along these corridors are advised to exercise caution and strictly observe lane discipline to ensure smooth traffic flow and to prevent congestion."
Alternative Routes
The Authority went ahead to provide a list of alternative routes for those planning to use either of the two routes. These routes include the Thika-Magumu-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet - Nakuru route.
Others are the Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route, the Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route and the Gilgil-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route.
Likewise, motorists were also advised to use either the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru road, the Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto-Eldama Ravine-Makutano road or the Nakuru-Njoro-Mau Summit route.
The Authority noted that it was working closely with the National Police Service (NPS) to manage traffic and ensure smoother flow along all the affected routes.
"KeNHA, in collaboration with the National Police Service, continues to manage traffic along these routes. However, cooperation and responsible conduct of all road users remain critical to ensuring safe and timely journeys," the Authority stated.
Nairobi-Nakuru Traffic
KeNHA's update comes amidst a worsening traffic along the busy highway, which has resulted in unnecessary delays even as the festive season hits its peak.
The traffic has been attributed to several factors, including minor carnages, road maintenance works, lane discipline by some motorists and an increase in the volume of vehicles using the route.
For the last five days, the gridlock has caused a shutdown of both lanes of the single-carriage highway, with passengers and drivers forced to spend the night on the highway.
