4 Alternative Routes Kenyans Travelling To Naivasha For WRC Safari Rally Can Use

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced four alternative routes for Kenyans seeking to travel to both Naivasha and Nakuru for the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally set to commence between March 28 and 31, 2024.

In a notice, KeNHA revealed the alternative routes while promising to tame any possible traffic snarl-up that may arise as a result of the highly-anticipated rally event.

These routes mainly cater to Kenyans travelling from Nairobi as well as neighbouring counties such as Kiambu, with satellite towns within the Metropolitan area, aiming to access the rally venue within the Easter weekend.

"With the World Rally Championship zooming into town this Easter, we are gearing up for an adrenaline–packed weekend.

"Usikwame kwa jam (don't get stuck in traffic). We’ve got your back with some exciting alternative routes," stated KeNHA.

As outlined, the first alternative route is christened the 'scenic route', which sees Kenyan motorists travel from Nairobi to Rironi in Kiambu County via the Magumu flyover. The route then continues to Njabini Ol Kalou before proceeding to Ol Joro Orok and ultimately reaching Lanet.

Route two is known as the 'the adventurous route', which can be taken as meant for the daring ones. This starts from Nairobi to Rironi to Naivasha, then to Engineer through to Ol Kalo and finally through Ol Joro Orok to Lanet.

Route three is the Thika trail, which would best serve residents of Thika, Juja and Ruiru among others along Thika Road.

The route starts in Nairobi to Thika in Kiambu County to the Magumu area through Ol Kalou town then to Ol Joro Orok and finally to Lanet.

The final route is the Suswa shortcut which sees a trip to Ngong Town from Nairobi and then to Kibiko to Suswa.

However, KeNHA cautioned motorists regarding the gravel stretch with the recommendation of 4x4 vehicles to avoid being stuck along the way, especially during the rainy season.

The WRC Safari Rally kicks off officially on Thursday, March 28 with the official flag-off at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) then to the Super Special Stage in Kasarani where drivers will duel each other in a circuit race before heading to Naivasha and Nakuru for the rest of the weekend.

The 2024 edition was moved up to the Easter weekend from the end of the June period, the first time in 26 years that the event made a comeback to the Easter weekend.

The Safari Rally has been held in June every year since 2021 when it made its comeback for the first time in 18 years.

"Glad we have come to an amicable understanding with the Promoter, FIA and all concerned to revert Kenya's iconic Safari Rally to its traditional Easter weekend," stated Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba on October 19, 2023.

The Easter weekend starts on March 29, 2024, and runs until April 1, 2024.