The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has unveiled seven alternative routes for motorists navigating the increasingly congested Nairobi-Nakuru highway. This announcement comes in response to severe traffic issues that have been plaguing this key route, particularly during this busy travel season.
In a public statement released on Wednesday, December 24, the Authority issued a caution regarding the heavy traffic along both the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road. KeNHA encouraged drivers utilizing these heavily trafficked corridors to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to lane discipline, and follow all traffic regulations to help alleviate congestion. They emphasized the importance of responsible driving behavior to ensure smoother travel for everyone.
"KeNHA has observed a notable increase in traffic volumes on the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) Road," the Authority reported. This surge in vehicles has resulted in significant delays, with many motorists experiencing frustrating standstills along the highway. For instance, on September 3, 2025, numerous drivers found themselves ensnared in traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
To assist those who are planning to travel on either of the congested routes, KeNHA provided a list of alternative paths. These options include:
- Thika-Magumu-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route
- Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route
- Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route
- Gilgil-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route
Additionally, motorists can consider the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru road, the Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto-Eldama Ravine-Makutano road, or the Nakuru-Njoro-Mau Summit route as alternatives.
The Authority highlighted its collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) to enhance traffic management and promote smoother flow on all affected routes. "KeNHA, alongside the National Police Service, is actively working to manage traffic conditions. However, it remains essential for all road users to cooperate and engage in responsible behavior to ensure that journeys are both safe and timely," the statement read.
This traffic update from KeNHA comes against a backdrop of deteriorating conditions on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, especially as the festive season reaches its peak. The gridlock has been caused by several factors including minor accidents, ongoing road maintenance, poor lane discipline by some drivers, and an overall increase in vehicle numbers using this route. Over the past five days, the congestion has been so severe that it has led to a complete halt of both lanes on this single-carriage highway, forcing many passengers and drivers to spend the night stranded on the road.
Images from the scene show heavy traffic between Kimende and the Flyover, as well as along the Limuru-Mai Mahiu stretch, illustrating the extent of the problem that travelers are currently facing.
