The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a fresh traffic advisory after congestion worsened along the Rironi–Mau Summit highway as travel volumes surged ahead of the Christmas holiday.
In a notice released on Wednesday, December 24, KeNHA said motorists on the busy corridor were facing long delays due to unusually high traffic, with sections of the road experiencing near standstill conditions.
To ease the pressure, the authority directed road users to consider alternative routes linking Nairobi and Nakuru. These include the Thika – Magumu – Njabini – Olkalou – Dundori – Lanet – Nakuru route; Flyover – Njabini – Olkalou – Dundori – Lanet – Nakuru; and Naivasha – Njabini – Olkalou – Dundori – Lanet – Nakuru.
Motorists were also advised to use Gilgil – Olkalou – Dundori – Lanet – Nakuru; Nakuru – Kampi ya Moto – Eldama Ravine – Makutano; Nakuru – Njoro – Mau Summit; and Ngong – Suswa – Narok – Mau Narok – Nakuru as alternative options.
KeNHA urged drivers to remain cautious while using the roads and to follow traffic rules to help improve flow and reduce the risk of accidents.
“Motorists travelling along these corridors are advised to exercise caution and strictly observe lane discipline to ensure smooth traffic flow and to prevent congestion and accidents,” KeNHA stated.
The authority added that traffic police officers and marshals have been deployed along key sections of the affected routes to help manage the situation.
“KeNHA, in collaboration with the National Police Service, continues to manage traffic along these routes.
“However, cooperation and responsible conduct of all road users remain critical to ensuring safe and timely journeys,” KeNHA added.
The advisory came amid reports of severe congestion along the Nakuru–Mau Summit and Rironi–Mai Mahiu roads. The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association said traffic had stalled following an accident involving a trailer.
“Traffic is not moving in both directions at Salgaa. A trailer has overturned and blocked the road at Sachangwan. Please use alternative routes,” the association stated.
The Rironi–Mau Summit highway has been under heavy strain as many Kenyans travel to different parts of the country for Christmas celebrations.
Earlier, on December 21, KeNHA issued a public advisory outlining measures aimed at reducing congestion during the holiday season. The authority urged motorists to plan their trips early, allow enough travel time, and comply with traffic rules.
“In a bid to realize smooth travels, the Authority wishes to guide the public as flows: All road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance so as to allow adequate travel time, and strictly adhere to all traffic rules and regulations; Motorists should take advantage of alternative routes, whenever they are available, to avoid congestion; and Motorists are urged to observe posted speed limits and avoid speeding," KeNHA stated.
The authority further reminded drivers and public service vehicle operators of their responsibilities on the road, including observing traffic signs, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding reckless driving.
"Motorists are encouraged to observe and obey traffic signs, maintain lane discipline, avoid overlapping, and reckless overtaking; Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and drivers are reminded to adhere to approved passenger capacity limits, and observe designated pick-up and drop-off points, pack trucks on the designated truck pack; and All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys, and remain sober and fit to drive at all times," the statement further read.
