Drivers using the busy Rironi–Mau Summit highway have been advised to exercise caution, especially around the Mai Mahiu stretch, after a massive traffic jam brought transport along the route to a halt.
The snarl-up, which began early Thursday morning, September 11, stretched for several kilometres and left motorists trapped on both sides of the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor.
Reports show that the worst-hit section was between Mutarakwa and Nakuru CBD for motorists coming from Nairobi. For those headed to the capital from Naivasha, movement was almost completely paralysed.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) confirmed the crisis, noting that vehicles from Nairobi were crawling at a painfully slow pace, while those from Naivasha were at a complete standstill.
The congestion is believed to have started around 4 a.m., triggered largely by motorists who ignored traffic rules. Many drivers were caught overlapping and disregarding lane discipline, which worsened the gridlock.
The situation was further complicated when residents of Nakuru staged a protest by blocking the highway. They were demanding government action in recovering the body of a woman who was swept away by floods in the area earlier this week.
Despite the presence of traffic police, attempts to manage the chaos proved unsuccessful as the jam escalated and spread, locking up both lanes of the narrow single-carriageway.
Footage captured from the scene showed endless queues of private cars, buses, and matatus stuck for hours, with some drivers trying to squeeze through tight spaces to escape the jam.
This latest incident comes at a time when the government is already under pressure to address the frequent traffic nightmares along the highway. Authorities have confirmed plans to expand the road into a modern four-lane dual carriageway to ease movement and enhance regional trade.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project—valued at Ksh200 billion—will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, meaning motorists will pay toll charges once the road is completed.
Two firms, including the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), have already submitted proposals for the expansion, with construction expected to kick off before the year ends.
If successful, the project will not only reduce congestion but also strengthen Kenya’s role as a transport hub linking Nairobi, Nakuru, and neighbouring countries through efficient road networks.
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