NAIROBI, Kenya – Motorists travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru during the Christmas and New Year holidays are facing heavy traffic as a sharp rise in festive travel collides with ongoing road works along the busy highway.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has blamed the congestion on increased holiday movement by Kenyans heading upcountry, compounded by preparatory works ahead of the planned dualling of key sections of the road.
In a public notice dated December 25, KeNHA said traffic volumes have surged significantly along the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road and the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road, both part of the A8 corridor that links Nairobi to western Kenya.
“The increase in traffic during the festive season, together with ongoing works, has led to congestion in some sections,” the authority said, adding that enhanced traffic management measures had been put in place to reduce delays and minimise accidents.
To ease pressure on the affected routes, KeNHA has urged motorists to use alternative roads whenever traffic builds up, especially during peak travel hours.
Drivers travelling from Thika have been advised to avoid the Thika Superhighway when heading to Nakuru and instead use the Magumu–Njabini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet–Nakuru route. Motorists from Nairobi, Flyover and surrounding areas have similarly been advised to use the Flyover–Njabini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet–Nakuru option.
Those travelling from Naivasha have been directed to use the Njabini–Olkalou–Dundori–Lanet–Nakuru route, while motorists from Gilgil can drive through Olkalou, Dundori and Lanet to reach Nakuru. Drivers from Ngong have been advised to use the Suswa–Narok–Mau Narok–Nakuru route.
For travellers heading to Makutano from Nakuru, KeNHA recommended the Kampi ya Moto–Eldama Ravine–Makutano route, while motorists moving between Nakuru and Mau Summit have been advised to use the Njoro route.
The authority has called on motorists to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips during peak hours where possible.
Drivers have also been urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, remain patient and strictly observe lane discipline.
KeNHA said it is working closely with the National Police Service, with officers deployed at key points along the corridor to regulate traffic and respond to emergencies.
The Nairobi–Nakuru highway is one of Kenya’s busiest transport routes, serving thousands of motorists daily and acting as a vital link for passenger travel, freight movement and regional trade. Any disruption along the corridor often has wide economic and social implications.
Traffic volumes traditionally peak during the festive season as families travel to rural homes and holiday destinations.
This year, however, the situation has been exacerbated by road works that have narrowed sections of the highway, slowing movement and worsening congestion during peak hours.
