KeNHA Reveals What Caused 8-Hour Traffic Jam Along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has broken its silence after travellers were left stranded along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in a traffic snarlup at Mai Mahiu that lasted more than eight hours.

Motorists had lamented that the snarlup began minutes before 10 pm on Thursday, December 14 and had run into the morning hours on Friday, December 15.

Reports had largely blamed the gridlock on the overlapping of motorists with some travellers expressing dissent at the absence of the traffic officers on the highway which worsened the situation as some of the matatus heading to Western Kenya also overlapped to beat the traffic.

A truck stranded along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on December 15, 2023. /KENHA KENYA

KeNHA thus revealed on Friday that the snarl-up resulted from a truck which encountered mechanical issues.

"Motorists are advised of a traffic snarl-up along the Escarpment Route (Rironi - Mai Mahiu), approximately 10 kilometres from Rironi towards Mai Mahiu after a truck experienced mechanical issues," the statement read in part.

"KeNHA through her Performance Based Contractor is working closely with the traffic police to manage and control the traffic flow. The Authority urges motorists to exercise caution and patience while driving through this section."

The Authority revealed that it was working towards resolving the issue promptly, adding that "Further updates will be provided as the situation develops."

Those seeking to use the route were advised to use alternative routes.

Motorists had called for the road to be expanded to a dual carriageway to avoid similar scenarios usually witnessed by motorists ahead of the festive season.

Meanwhile, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo urged all drivers to exercise caution while driving along Kenya's major highways amidst the spike in road accidents synonymous with the December festivities.

"The Ministry calls on all drivers to be conscientious road users, demonstrating care and consideration for the well-being of everyone sharing the highways," PS Omollo stated on Thursday.

"With the El Nino floods still upon us, the public is advised to stay informed, through the National El Niño Emergency & Disaster Response Command Centre, about weather conditions and cut-off roads to plan journeys accordingly and avoid unnecessary frustrations."