Motorists were forced to spend the night on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Saturday, June 24, following an overnight traffic snarl-up in Naivasha.
Reports indicated that the snarl-up began in the Kikopey, Gilgil, as the Safari Rally championships came to a close on Saturday.
A section of road users blamed the incident on massive trucks using the weighbridge and pleaded with police officers to intervene.
Gilgil Police boss Francis Tumbo stated that about 2,000 motorists, many of who were at Sleepy Warriors to enjoy the rally, joined the highway at once causing the traffic snarl-up.
"The traffic jam is heavy but it is moving and police officers are on the highway to ensure that there is no unnecessary congestion," he stated.
A motorist stuck in a traffic jam confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke at 9:00 am on Sunday, June 25, that the snarl-up persisted forcing others to abandon their journey or use alternative routes.
Local residents raised concerns over the poor preparation for the event by the government especially in transportation stating that the traffic nightmare, which was an occurrence every year, interfered with their plans.
The event was officially flagged off by President William Ruto on June 21, at the Loldia Training School service park in Naivasha alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
At the launch, Ruto co-drove under the guidance of a professional rally driver as his security team maintained its distance as they remained on the lookout.
To beat the traffic jam, some Safari Rally lovers spent close to Ksh259,000 per hour to fly to Naivasha.
"The fastest and most convenient way to get to Naivasha this weekend. This helicopter carries five passengers, and the hourly rate for the entire aircraft is Ksh259,832 (USD 1,850) per hour," Khalif Kairo, a licensed pilot, stated.
The 2023 FIA World Rally Championship kicked off on Thursday, June 22, with veteran and rookie drivers vying for victory.
Over 19 special stages were contested, covering a total competitive distance of 356.98 kilometres. The stages located in Nakuru County had a variety of terrain, including gravel, tarmac, and dirt.
