Road Safety Alert: How to Avoid Traffic Gridlock During Kenya’s Festive Travel Rush

Authority warns motorists to brace for significant delays on Nairobi-Nakuru highway and other key routes as traffic volumes spike ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a critical traffic advisory warning motorists to prepare for heavy congestion across major roads as millions of Kenyans embark on festive season journeys to reunite with families nationwide.

KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli reveals that traffic volumes have already begun climbing sharply on both highways and urban roads, with authorities predicting the situation will intensify dramatically in the days approaching Christmas and the New Year.

Kimeli stresses that the surge in road use demands greater vigilance and cooperation from all road users to maintain safety and order during this critical travel period.

“Road Safety Is a Shared Responsibility”

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and all road users should therefore exercise patience, courtesy and caution while on the road,” Kimeli said.

The KeNHA chief urged motorists to plan their journeys well in advance and allocate sufficient travel time, cautioning that rushed, last-minute travel and impatience frequently trigger accidents and create avoidable delays.

He also advised drivers to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations, emphasizing that compliance helps ease congestion and improves traffic flow across the network.

Alternative Routes: Your Best Defense Against Highway Gridlock

To relieve pressure on congested highways, Kimeli encouraged motorists to explore alternative routes wherever feasible, potentially saving hours of frustration stuck in traffic.

He reiterated the critical need for drivers to observe posted speed limits and avoid speeding, noting that excessive speed consistently ranks among the leading causes of crashes during peak travel periods.

The acting DG outlined additional safety measures: motorists must obey traffic signs, maintain proper lane discipline, avoid overlapping and refrain from reckless overtaking – dangerous behaviors that routinely worsen congestion and dramatically increase accident risks.

Special Directives for PSV Operators and Truck Drivers

Kimeli reminded Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to comply with approved passenger capacity limits and restrict pick-ups and drop-offs to designated points only.

He issued a stern warning to truck drivers to park exclusively at designated truck parks to prevent obstructing traffic flow on already strained highways.

“All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys and remain sober and fit to drive at all times,” Kimeli said, adding that fatigue and impaired driving significantly elevate the risk of road accidents during the high-volume travel season.

KeNHA’s Commitment to Festive Season Safety

Kimeli affirmed that KeNHA remains fully committed to maintaining safety and efficiency on Kenya’s roads throughout the festive period, with enhanced monitoring and rapid response teams deployed across the network.

“The authority wishes to assure the public of the continued commitment to ensure a safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience for all road users. Everyone should reach their destinations safely and reunite with their loved ones,” he said.

On Saturday, the authority issued a specific warning to motorists travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru to brace for significant delays after traffic volumes surged sharply along the busy highway corridor.

KeNHA identified Naivasha, Gilgil, Kikopey and Nakuru Town as some of the worst-affected sections, where long vehicle queues have already formed as holiday travel reaches its peak intensity.

Motorists planning to use these routes should consider departing during off-peak hours, typically early morning or late evening, to avoid the worst congestion periods and ensure they arrive at their destinations safely and on time.

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