The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a festive season travel advisory warning road users to expect a sharp increase in traffic volumes across major highways and urging heightened caution to prevent accidents during the holiday period.
In a public notice dated December 21, 2025, the authority said traffic had already begun to rise significantly as Kenyans travel to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
KeNHA emphasized that road safety remains a shared responsibility and called on all motorists to exercise patience and courtesy.
“The festive season is here. Traffic has started to soar significantly on all roads, highways included,” Luka Kimeli, the Acting Director General said, adding that “all road users should exercise patience, courtesy and caution while on the road.”
To ensure smooth and safe travel, KeNHA advised motorists to plan their journeys well in advance to allow adequate travel time and strictly comply with traffic rules and regulations.
Drivers were also encouraged to use alternative routes where available to ease congestion, particularly on busy highway corridors.
The authority urged motorists to observe posted speed limits and avoid speeding, warning that reckless driving remains a leading cause of road crashes during peak travel seasons.
“Motorists are encouraged to observe and obey traffic signs, maintain lane discipline, avoid overlapping, and reckless overtaking,” the notice stated.
Special guidance was issued to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and commercial drivers, who were reminded to adhere to approved passenger capacity limits and to use designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Truck drivers were similarly advised to use designated truck parks to reduce congestion and enhance safety.
KeNHA further stressed the importance of driver fitness, urging motorists to ensure they are well-rested before embarking on long journeys and to remain sober at all times.
“All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys and remain sober and fit to drive at all times,” the authority said.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, KeNHA said it would continue coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure a safe and secure holiday travel experience.
“The Authority wishes to assure the public of the continued commitment to ensure a safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience for all road users,” the notice read.
KeNHA concluded by wishing Kenyans safe and pleasant travels during the festive season, encouraging everyone to reach their destinations safely and reunite with loved ones.
The advisory follows n earlier update that attributed the traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway to lane indiscipline and overlapping by motorists.
In a statement, the authority noted that there has been a significant increase in traffic volumes, leading to congestion at various sections of the road.
As many Kenyans head upcountry for the Christmas festivities, KeNHA called for patience among all road users, cautioning against flouting traffic regulations.
“Road users are urged to exercise patience, avoid overlapping, and strictly follow directions issued by traffic police officers and marshals to prevent prolonged delays,” KeNHA said.
