MACHAKOS, Kenya — Motorists spent the night trapped in a massive traffic jam along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway after a late-night accident at Kapiti Plains left the highway heavily congested.
The traffic disruption reportedly began around 9pm on Thursday after two trailers travelling in opposite directions collided, blocking both lanes and restricting movement along the busy A109 highway.
By Friday morning, the congestion had stretched for several kilometres, with motorists reporting lengthy delays between Malili and Machakos Junction near Konza.
Traffic Stretches For Kilometres
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) said the traffic had extended from Malili to Machakos Junction, with congestion also reported from Athi River towards the junction.
“Kapiti Traffic Update: After last night’s accident, traffic has now stretched from Malili to Machakos Junction and from Athi River past Machakos Junction along A109,” the association said.
LoDDCA also identified overlapping vehicles as one of the factors worsening the congestion.
Footage circulating from the scene showed one of the trailers reportedly involved in the crash with extensive damage.
However, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties or provided details on the circumstances surrounding the collision by the time of publication. Some reports indicated that no serious injuries had been recorded.
Motorists Urged To Exercise Caution
Motorists travelling through Kapiti and Konza have been advised to exercise caution and allow additional time when using the affected section of the highway.
The disruption adds to existing traffic challenges along the Nairobi-Mombasa route.
A section of the Cabanas Eastern Bypass off-ramp has also been temporarily closed to facilitate construction works, with the closure expected to remain in place until October 22.
