KeNHA warns: Lane indiscipline sparks heavy traffic on Nairobi–Nakuru Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has warned motorists travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru to brace for congestion following a sharp increase in traffic volumes along the busy corridor.

In a notice issued on Saturday, the agency said the surge in vehicles has led to traffic snarl-ups at several sections of the highway, disrupting the smooth flow of traffic and causing delays for road users.

According to KeNHA, poor driving behaviour on some stretches of the road have exacerbated the congestion.

“The congestion is largely due to lane indiscipline and overlapping,” KeNHA said, noting that motorists failing to adhere to traffic rules have worsened the situation.

The authority identified Naivasha, Gilgil, Kikopey and Nakuru Town as some of the most affected areas, where long queues of vehicles have been reported, particularly during peak travel hours.

The Nairobi–Nakuru highway is one of the country’s busiest routes, serving thousands of motorists daily and linking the capital to the Rift Valley and western Kenya.

KeNHA said it is working closely with traffic police officers to ease congestion and restore normal traffic flow.

Motorists have been urged to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic enforcement officers on the ground.

KeNHA advised drivers to avoid overlapping, observe lane discipline and strictly follow directions issued by traffic police officers and marshals to prevent prolonged delays and potential accidents.

The authority also confirmed that traffic flow has been successfully restored along the Salgaa–Kibunja section, which had earlier experienced disruptions.

However, it reminded motorists to remain cautious, particularly on dual carriageway sections.

“Motorists are reminded not to drive on opposing lanes of the dual carriageway, even when traffic on the climbing lanes is slow-moving,” KeNHA warned.

It said such actions not only worsen congestion but also increase the risk of serious accidents.

The warning comes after several motorists and passengers were forced to spend the night on the road on Friday due to heavy traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.

Reports indicated that the gridlock stretched for several kilometres, leaving travellers stranded for hours.

Some motorists attributed the traffic chaos to ongoing roadworks along sections of the highway, which have reduced road capacity and slowed traffic movement.

Others blamed lane indiscipline, with some drivers attempting to overtake recklessly in a bid to make multiple trips while ferrying passengers travelling upcountry for the festivities.

The worst-affected sections were reported to be the Mai Mahiu stretch in Naivasha and the Salgaa–Mau Summit section.

Across the country, major highways have become increasingly congested as thousands of Kenyans travel to rural homes and holiday destinations to celebrate the festive season.

Long queues of vehicles have been reported on key routes leading out of Nairobi and other major towns.