The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Sunday, June 25, issued a traffic advisory to motorists using Nairobi-Nakuru Highway over the ongoing traffic snarl-up.
In a statement signed by KeNHA Director General Engineer Kungu Ndungu, the authority warned of heavy traffic congestion between Naivasha and Nakuru as a result of the World Rally Championship (WRC) event ongoing in Naivasha.
The authority asked motorists travelling to Nakuru from Naivasha and vice versa to use alternative routes; Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Ol Joro Orok - Lanet - Nakuru road.
“The Northern Corridor, between Naivasha and Nakuru, is experiencing heavy traffic congestion. This has been occasioned by a heavy traffic influx attributed to the World Rally Championship event in Naivasha.
“Those travelling to Nakuru from Naivasha are advised to use the Naivasha - Njabini - Olkalou - Ol Joro Orok - Lanet - Nakuru road and vice versa,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, the authority stated that traffic police officers were stationed along the highway to guide motorists stuck on the highway by encouraging lane discipline.
"Accordingly, motorists are advised to exercise lane discipline and avoid overlapping as they approach this section in order to avoid further congestion. We are monitoring the situation and will keep updating regularly," added KeNHA.
Motorists were forced to spend the night along the highway on Saturday, June 24, with a section of road users blaming the incident on massive trucks using the weighbridge.
By 9:00 am on Sunday, June 25, a motorist stuck in a traffic jam confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that the snarl-up persisted forcing others to abandon their journey or use alternative routes.
Additionally, 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 World Rally Championship (WRC) 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.
Over 19 special stages were contested at the event, 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.
