Heavy snarl-up was experienced on the morning of Friday, December 23 as Kenyans rushed upcountry for festive season celebrations.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) asked Kenyans to consider other routes that are less occupied.
“We wish to notify motorists plying or planning to use the Nairobi – Nakuru (A8) Highway of a traffic buildup between Gilgil town and the rail over road bridge as people travel for the festive season,” KeKNHA cautioned.
Apart from the Nakuru – Nairobi highway, other routes that were affected include Kericho – Kisumu, Nairobi – Eldoret, Mai Mahiu – Nairobi and Thika Super Highway.
Hectic traffic jam along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on December 23, 2022
Ma3route
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, motorists were recorded while trying to find alternative routes as others drove through bushes to hack the chaotic situation on the road.
“If I make it to Nakuru, I swear I will never make last-minute travelling plans ever again,” one of the motorists regretted.
It was reported that the situation was worse at Kimende and Kijabe junction where a number of vehicles were held in the traffic jam for hours.
Motorists plying the Kijabe route asked road users to exercise caution following an accident that had occurred at the nearby junction.
“Plan your journey with this in mind. There’s an accident just before Rubis Kijabe on Nairobi Nakuru Highway. National Police Officers are on site and clearing it,” Ma3route warned the motorists.
An alternative route was also suggested that would help motorists evade being on the road for long hours.
“There is a shorter route: Through Thika Mangu Flyover Road, Njabini, Ol Kalou, Lanet, Nakuru,” one of the motorists shared.
Speaking on phone to Kenyans.co.ke, National Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila stated that officers were aware of the road crisis.
“Police Service is well seized of the matter, especially the traffic situation along Nairobi- Nakuru Highway, where a number of motorists are still held in the jam,” she stated.
Heavy snarl-up at Kijabe along Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Friday, December 23, 2022
Ma3route
She further announced that police officers had been recalled from their leave to deal with security issues during the December holiday.
“Police officers have been recalled from holiday. Traffic officers in the affected areas are currently receiving support from their colleagues from other departments,” she uttered.
The spokesperson urged motorists to be keen on observing traffic rules.
“Motorists have been asked to observe traffic rules and laws in order for them to make the work easier for everyone on the road,” she noted.
On December 20, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Transport CS Kiphumba Murkomen launched a crackdown on motorists and listed a raft of enforcement measures to be implemented over the holidays.
Speaking at Harambee House where they held a joint meeting Kindiki directed the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, to crack heavily and without exceptions on those found flouting traffic rules.
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