10-Hour Traffic Snarl-Up on Nakuru–Nairobi Highway Exposes Chronic Congestion Challenges

Nakuru County, Kenya – Thousands of motorists and passengers were left stranded for more than 10 hours on the Nakuru–Nairobi highway after a massive traffic jam paralysed movement between Naivasha and Kikopey on the night of August 28. The gridlock, which began around 8:30 pm, highlighted the vulnerability of one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors to sudden disruptions.

What Triggered the Jam

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) attributed the chaos to a combination of factors, including:

• Lane indiscipline by drivers of heavy and private vehicles.

• An unusually high volume of trucks and buses.

• Increased travel linked to the National Youth Service pass-out parade in Gilgil.

The sheer volume of vehicles overwhelmed the corridor, forcing traffic to a standstill for hours and leaving passengers stranded in the night.

Passenger Ordeal

Social media was flooded with images and videos of lorries, buses, and private cars stuck bumper-to-bumper, with some passengers camping by the roadside as they waited for relief. Travelers reported arriving at their destinations well past dawn, with businesses, cargo deliveries, and early-morning commutes heavily disrupted.

“We slept in the vehicle with no food or water. This was the worst traffic experience of my life,” said one passenger traveling to Nakuru.

Emergency Response and Detours

KeNHA announced it was working closely with traffic police to clear the backlog and restore normal flow. Authorities urged motorists to exercise patience and observe road discipline to avoid worsening the situation.

Motorists were also advised to use alternative routes depending on their destinations:

• Nyeri–Nyahururu–Nakuru

• Nakuru–Nyahururu–Nyeri

• Narok–Mai Mahiu–Suswa

Renewed Debate on Highway Management

The incident reignited calls for stronger traffic management systems along the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor, a critical artery linking the capital with western Kenya and the Great Lakes region. Analysts say deploying more traffic officers, using digital traffic monitoring tools, and issuing real-time travel advisories during high-volume events could prevent such crippling jams.

“The Nakuru highway is a lifeline for trade and travel. Poor planning during major events creates ripple effects across the economy,” noted transport analyst James Muriithi.

Long-Term Solutions Needed

Residents and frequent users of the corridor say the ordeal underscores the need for structural solutions, including:

• Expansion of lanes and modern interchanges.

• Dedicated truck bays to ease freight congestion.

• Integration of intelligent traffic management systems for live monitoring.

The gridlock comes at a time when Kenya is considering major upgrades of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway under a public–private partnership, with hopes that expanding capacity will reduce future congestion crises.

Outlook

While traffic eventually eased after police interventions, the 10-hour paralysis has intensified pressure on authorities to prioritise both short-term management and long-term infrastructure upgrades. For many commuters, the August 28 gridlock will remain a stark reminder of Kenya’s ongoing struggle to balance rapid motorisation with efficient traffic planning.