The worst congestion occurred between Gilgil and Nakuru, where long queues of vehicles stretched for kilometres amid heavy rain, poor visibility, and slippery roads.
The situation was exacerbated by ongoing construction work aimed at dualling sections of the highway.
The situation was exacerbated by ongoing construction work aimed at dualling sections of the highway.
Drivers reported that narrow lanes, overlapping traffic, and unroadworthy vehicles made overtaking difficult, significantly increasing travel times.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LDDCA) advised motorists to plan their trips carefully to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LDDCA) advised motorists to plan their trips carefully to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
In a post on X, the association reminded drivers to allow extra time and consider alternative routes to bypass congested sections.
Authorities suggested that travellers heading to Nakuru use the Naivasha–Njabini–Olkalou–Ol Joro Orok–Lanet route, while those travelling to Western and Nyanza regions could consider the Nairobi–Suswa–Narok corridor.
Authorities suggested that travellers heading to Nakuru use the Naivasha–Njabini–Olkalou–Ol Joro Orok–Lanet route, while those travelling to Western and Nyanza regions could consider the Nairobi–Suswa–Narok corridor.
Drivers were also advised to follow updates from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to stay informed about traffic conditions and road closures.
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and fog, made the highway particularly dangerous. Slippery surfaces prevented safe overtaking, forcing even motorcycles to remain stuck in the jams.
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and fog, made the highway particularly dangerous. Slippery surfaces prevented safe overtaking, forcing even motorcycles to remain stuck in the jams.
Some drivers attempting risky manoeuvres to transport more passengers only worsened the congestion.
Highway Expansion Plans
The government has pledged that once the Rironi–Mau Summit section is fully dualled, holiday traffic congestion will be significantly reduced.
Highway Expansion Plans
The government has pledged that once the Rironi–Mau Summit section is fully dualled, holiday traffic congestion will be significantly reduced.
President William Ruto previously urged motorists to exercise patience, noting that the ongoing works aim to prevent similar disruptions in future festive seasons.
Despite these warnings, the combination of high vehicle volumes, roadworks, and inclement weather created long delays and frustrated commuters.
Despite these warnings, the combination of high vehicle volumes, roadworks, and inclement weather created long delays and frustrated commuters.
Traffic jams were also reported earlier during the holiday period, particularly where roadworks slowed clearance efforts.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) criticized the scheduling of roadworks during the peak festive season, calling it “callous” and disruptive to thousands of travellers.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) criticized the scheduling of roadworks during the peak festive season, calling it “callous” and disruptive to thousands of travellers.
The association also raised concerns about artificial congestion along the Salgaa–Mau Summit corridor, suggesting that it appeared designed to justify tolling public highways.
Local authorities and traffic management agencies have been coordinating efforts to alleviate congestion, including deploying traffic officers to key choke points.
Local authorities and traffic management agencies have been coordinating efforts to alleviate congestion, including deploying traffic officers to key choke points.
However, experts say the holiday surge highlights the urgent need for accelerated infrastructure development along the Eldoret–Nairobi highway.
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