KeNHA Issues Travel Advisory for Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
As the festive season nears, the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations in Kenya have not just affected shopping malls and markets, but also the country's major arterial roads. The latest advisory from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has flagged the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, known for its picturesque drive through the heart of Kenya, as a trouble spot for heavy traffic. The advisory issued ahead of the holiday rush comes as Kenyans begin their annual pilgrimage to rural homes, a time-honored tradition of celebrating with family.
An Urgent Call for Patience and Discipline
On December 20, 2024, KeNHA's Director-General, Kung'u Ndung'u, announced the advisory with an urgent call for patience among road users. Acknowledging the stress that comes with traffic snarls, Ndung'u emphasized the importance of lane discipline and expressed the need for cooperation between motorists and traffic authorities. To manage the voluminous traffic, the authority has rolled out a robust collaboration with traffic police, taking significant steps such as stationing officers at strategic junctions along the highway. The officers are tasked not only with traffic control but also with offering assistance in case of emergencies.
Alternative Routes to Ease Congestion
Drivers on this vital highway are, for the time being, encouraged to consider using alternate routes. The Naivasha-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru, Flyover-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru, and Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru routes have been highlighted as feasible alternatives. These suggestions aim to disperse the volume of vehicles and provide some relief to an otherwise congested main highway. KeNHA aims not only to maintain traffic flow but also to enhance traveller safety by reducing operational hazards caused by congestion.
A Community Mobilized: On-the-Ground Reports
The warning is timely as reports from St John Ambulance Kenya have described particular traffic clogs between Kimende and Flyover, and around the Limuru-Maai Mahiu stretch. The situation, captured on videos shared widely across social media platforms, showed cars, idling as far as the eye could see, while drivers, in utter exasperation, took to the roadside. Such visuals underscore the magnitude of the traffic issue, highlighting the need for both patience and strategic route management.
Authorities Mobilize for a Safer Holiday Travel
With the roads packed by Kenyans relocating for the holidays, government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, have reminded travellers of the paramountcy of safety. Mudavadi underlined the need for all motorists, particularly drivers of public service vehicles (PSVs) on long-haul routes, to conduct themselves responsibly on the roads. In efforts to mitigate accidents and incursions, the government has promised heightened patrols across highways, stringent verification of vehicle roadworthiness, and rigorous action against unauthorized PSV operations.
Engaging the Whole Transport Ecosystem
In his statement, Mudavadi emphasized that every officer within the traffic ecosystem has an obligation to actively participate in ensuring compliance with safety norms. He underscored the national directive to slash road traffic casualties by five percent by 2028, a goal that necessitates diligent enforcement of traffic regulations and united efforts across governmental and civic responsibilities. This ambitious target reflects Kenya's broader commitment to road safety amidst rapid motorization.
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