Motorists travelling out of Nairobi towards the Rift Valley have been warned to expect heavy traffic beginning Wednesday as thousands of fans head to Naivasha for the upcoming WRC Safari Rally.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a traffic advisory urging road users to plan their journeys early and use alternative routes to avoid major congestion along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
According to the authority, the rally, scheduled for March 12–15, is expected to attract large crowds travelling to various spectator stages around Naivasha and neighbouring areas, leading to increased traffic volumes on key highways.
“Traffic is expected to build up significantly as members of the public travel to attend the Safari Rally event,” KeNHA said in the advisory.
To ease pressure on the main highway corridor, the agency proposed several alternative routes for motorists travelling towards Nakuru and other towns in the Rift Valley.
Drivers were advised to consider the Nairobi–Rironi–Flyover (Magumu)–Njambini–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Nakuru route, commonly referred to as the scenic route, which reconnects to the Nakuru highway away from the busy Naivasha section.
Another option is the Nairobi–Rironi–Naivasha–Engineer–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Nakuru route, while motorists coming from the eastern side of the capital can use the Nairobi–Thika–Magumu–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Nakuru route.
For those seeking a shorter diversion, authorities suggested the Nairobi–Ngong–Suswa–Narok–Nakuru corridor, which bypasses the busiest sections of the highway.
KeNHA also issued a strict warning to truck drivers against parking at undesignated spots along the highway during the rally period.
“Truck drivers are advised not to park at any undesignated locations on the highway, as violation of this directive shall lead to immediate arrest,” the authority said.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli said the authority is working closely with traffic police and other government agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance road safety during the rally period.
The Safari Rally, organised under the global motorsport governing body Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the country and typically draws thousands of spectators from across Kenya and abroad.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain patient on the roads, observe traffic rules and follow directions issued by traffic officers throughout the rally weekend.