KeNHA Gives Alternative Routes For Motorists To Avoid Traffic During Safari Rally
The event, scheduled to take place in Nakuru County, will begin on Thursday, March 20, and continue until Sunday, March 23, 2025
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has recommended four alternative routes for motorists to bypass heavy traffic anticipated during the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
The event, scheduled to take place in Nakuru County, will begin on Thursday, March 20, and continue until Sunday, March 23, 2025, with thousands of motorsport enthusiasts including those from Kenya expected to flock mainly to the town of Naivasha ahead of the event.
"The World Rally Championship is zooming into town bringing excitement and high-speed action to our roads. To keep you moving smoothly, we have mapped out alternative routes to help you avoid traffic congestion," KeNHA's notice on March 20 read in part.
Traffic snarl-up as motorists head to the Safari Rally on June 26, 2021. /FACEBOOK
KeNHA has outlined four alternative routes for motorists traveling from Nairobi to Lanet to avoid heavy traffic during the 2025 WRC Safari Rally.
The first option, dubbed “the scenic route,” takes motorists through Rironi, the Magumu flyover, Njabini, Ol Kalou, and Dundori before reaching Lanet.
The second, known as “the adventure route,” follows a similar path but bypasses the Magumu flyover, instead passing through Naivasha and Engineer before connecting to Ol Kalou, Dundori, and Lanet.
The third, “Thika Trail,” begins in Nairobi, continues through Thika, then proceeds to the Magumu flyover, Ol Kalou, and Dundori before arriving at Lanet.
The fourth alternative, called “the Suswa shortcut,” takes motorists from Nairobi through Ngong town, branching off at Kibiko before reaching Suswa. KeNHA has advised caution on this route due to a gravel stretch, recommending it for 4x4 vehicles.
Despite being a thrilling event for both Kenyans and tourists, the Safari Rally is infamous for causing major traffic congestion as crowds head to Naivasha or as roads are closed to facilitate rally car movements. Many attendees have expressed frustration over logistical challenges, often missing out on parts of the experience due to poor traffic planning and limited alternative routes.
This year’s edition promises to be the longest since the rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2021, covering 384.86 km and introducing new stages such as Mzabibu, a 12.36 km vineyard-lined stretch, and Camp Moran, a 32.2 km endurance challenge.
The ceremonial flag-off will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Thursday, March 20, followed by a 4.76 km Super Special Stage in Kasarani and the newly introduced 8.27 km Mzabibu stage. Before the official start, a 5 km shakedown stage took place on Wednesday, March 19.
A competitive mix of local and international drivers is expected to participate in the three-day rally. Defending champion Kalle Rovanperä of Toyota Gazoo Racing will compete against top contenders like current WRC series leader Elfyn Evans and 2024 WRC champion Thierry Neuville.
Kenyan drivers, including Carl Tundo, Karan Patel, Jeremiah Wahome, and Hamza Anwar, will also be in the race, hoping to make history. Notably, the last Kenyan to win the Safari Rally was Ian Duncan in 1994.
