Alternative routes to avoid traffic jams to or from Nakuru

Traffic on the Nakuru-Naivasha highway, Nov 28, 2025. /FILE/PCS

If you are travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru during the festive season, chances are you are likely to encounter heavy traffic along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway following a sharp surge in vehicle numbers as Kenyans head upcountry for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has attributed the congestion to increased holiday travel compounded by ongoing preparatory works ahead of the planned dualling of parts of the highway.

The most affected sections are the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road and the Rironi–Mai Mahiu–Naivasha Road, both of which form part of the broader A8 corridor linking Nairobi to western Kenya.

In a public notice dated December 25, KeNHA said the significant rise in traffic volumes along the two routes prompted the need for enhanced traffic management and public advisory measures to minimise congestion and accidents.

To ease pressure on the congested sections, motorists have been advised to use alternative routes connecting Nairobi, Nakuru and surrounding areas whenever traffic snarls occur.

The agency said the routes provide viable options for drivers seeking to avoid delays, especially during peak travel times.

Motorists from Thika have been advised to avoid travelling to Nairobi via the Thika Superhighway before connecting to Nakuru.Heavy traffic on the Thika-bound Thika superhighway, December 25, 2025.

They should instead use the Magumu-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route.

Those from Nairobi or Flyover and its environs have been advised to use the Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route.

Those in Naivasha should equally use the Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route.

Motorists from Gilgil can drive to Olkalou, head to Dundori, then drive via Lanet to Nakuru.

Those in Ngong should use the Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru route.

Travellers destined for Makutano from Nakuru should use the Kampi Ya Moto-Eldama Ravine-Makutano route.

KeNHA said those travelling between Nakuru and Mau Summit should travel via Njoro. 

The advisory comes amid renewed calls for motorists to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours where possible.Traffic on the Nakuru-Naivasha highway, Nov 28, 2025. /FILE/PCS

KeNHA also encouraged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off and to remain patient while navigating congested sections.

The authority has urged motorists using the affected corridors to exercise caution and strictly observe lane discipline to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents.

KeNHA said it is working closely with the National Police Service to manage traffic along the routes, with officers deployed at key points to regulate flow and respond to emergencies. 

The Nairobi–Nakuru highway is among Kenya’s busiest transport routes, serving thousands of motorists daily and acting as a critical link between Nairobi, the Rift Valley and western Kenya.

It is a key corridor for passenger travel, freight transport and regional trade, making any disruption along the route likely to have wide-ranging economic and social implications.

The festive season traditionally records some of the highest traffic volumes on the highway as families travel to rural homes and tourist destinations for end-of-year holidays.

But this year’s traffic has been further intensified by road works in some sections, which have narrowed carriageways and slowed traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.