Thousands of Kenyans embarking on their festive season travel are facing the familiar dread of gridlock as traffic surges on major arteries out of the capital. In response, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued a comprehensive travel plan, advising motorists to plan their journeys meticulously and use alternative routes to ease the pressure on traditional highways.

The annual migration to ancestral homes for Christmas has historically led to significant delays, turning hours-long journeys into day-long ordeals. This not only frustrates travellers but also impacts the timely transport of goods, affecting local economies that depend on the holiday season boom.

Navigating the Bottlenecks

Authorities have identified the Nairobi-Nakuru highway as a primary congestion hotspot, particularly the stretch leading to Western Kenya and Nyanza. To counter this, a multi-agency team has been activated to manage traffic flow and enhance safety. The government's strategy hinges on diverting the massive volume of vehicles across a wider network of roads.

Key alternative routes recommended by the Ministry of Interior include:

• For Western Kenya & Nyanza Travellers: Motorists are strongly encouraged to use the Nairobi–Suswa–Narok route to bypass the heavily congested Mai Mahiu escarpment.
• For Nakuru & Central Region Travellers: The advised circuit is the Nairobi–Nyeri–Nyahururu–Nakuru route, which offers a smoother, albeit less direct, path.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned of a zero-tolerance policy on traffic violations this season, emphasizing that additional officers have been deployed to enforce the law strictly. "One life lost is one too many," Kanja stated, highlighting a recent 5% rise in road fatalities compared to the same period last year.

A Coordinated Effort for Safety

This year's traffic management plan is a joint operation involving the National Police Service, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The collaboration aims to ensure not just smoother travel, but safer roads for everyone. KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise personal discipline and adhere to all traffic regulations.

In a significant move to curb corruption on the roads, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has deployed officers along major highways. Furthermore, mobile courts will be stationed at high-risk corridors to ensure instant prosecution of traffic offenders, a directive championed by Chief Justice Martha Koome and the National Council on the Administration of Justice.

As families crisscross the country, the authorities' message is clear: plan ahead, remain patient, and prioritize safety. The effectiveness of these measures will be tested in the coming days, with the hope that this year's journey home will be remembered for festive cheer, not frustrating traffic jams.