Lorry overturns on Thika Road, causes heavy traffic on both sides

Traffic along Thika Road ground to a crawl on Monday evening after a lorry overturned near the GSU section of the highway, forcing motorists to divert to the service lane.

Motorists reported heavy traffic buildup in both directions as rush hour intensified, with drivers advised to exercise caution while approaching the scene.

The incident has prompted calls for the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to expedite clearance to prevent further disruption on one of Nairobi’s busiest commuter corridors.

"A truck(lorry)has overturned after GSU on Thika Road. Motorists are advised to use the service lane and take caution. Traffic on both sides. We call on KENHA to clear the scene quickly to avoid major disruptions in the busy rush hour," the Motorists Association said.

No injuries were immediately reported, though police and highway officers were working to restore normal flow.

 This is even as the country has experienced deadly road accidents in major highways during the December festivities and early January 2026.

The National Police Service (NPS) raised concern over a sharp increase in road traffic accidents that have claimed at least 31 lives in the first six days of 2026, describing the situation as a crisis requiring urgent and decisive action.

The NPS said the accidents have also resulted in serious injuries and widespread destruction of property, painting a grim picture on Kenyan roads barely a week into the new year.

“This is unacceptably alarming and cannot be allowed to continue. It is a crisis that demands immediate, collective, and decisive action,” the police said.

According to preliminary analysis by traffic authorities, most of the accidents were caused by preventable human error.

The police cited reckless driving, speeding, driver fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol as leading contributors.

Persistent violations by boda boda riders, including riding against traffic and using walkways, were also singled out as major risk factors.

The NPS noted that it has been working closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and other transport stakeholders under a multi-agency framework to enforce the Highway Code, particularly during the festive season.

Despite these efforts, recent trends have prompted the Inspector General to order tougher measures with immediate effect.

“All regional, county, and sub-county traffic police commanders have been directed to institute stringent, continuous high-visibility enforcement targeting all manner of traffic violations,” the statement said.

The police added that special focus will be placed on speeding, drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and public service vehicle (PSV) compliance, alongside intensified breathalyser tests.