By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 20, 2025 - Motorists using the Nairobi–Nakuru highway have been warned to expect delays as traffic congestion intensifies along one of Kenya’s busiest road corridors, with authorities pointing to poor driving behaviour as a major cause of the gridlock.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said a sharp rise in vehicle numbers, coupled with widespread lane indiscipline, has disrupted traffic flow on several sections of the road, especially during peak travel hours. The highway links Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya and carries thousands of vehicles daily, a number that has surged with the onset of the festive travel season.
In a statement issued on Saturday, KeNHA noted that overlapping and failure by drivers to observe lane discipline have significantly worsened congestion. Areas most affected include Naivasha, Gilgil, Kikopey and Nakuru Town, where long queues of vehicles have become a familiar sight, leaving travellers stranded for hours.
“Congestion along this corridor is largely being fuelled by lane indiscipline and overlapping,” the authority said, urging motorists to exercise patience and follow traffic rules to allow smoother movement.
KeNHA confirmed it is working closely with traffic police to manage the situation and restore order on affected sections. Motorists have been asked to cooperate with officers on the ground, obey instructions and avoid reckless overtaking, which not only slows traffic further but also raises the risk of accidents.
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The authority also reported that traffic flow has since been restored along the Salgaa–Kibunja section, which had earlier experienced disruptions. However, drivers were cautioned against using opposing lanes on dual carriageway sections, even when traffic on climbing lanes is moving slowly.
“Driving on the wrong side of the road worsens congestion and puts lives at serious risk,” KeNHA warned.
The advisory follows chaotic scenes on Friday night, when some motorists and passengers were forced to spend the night on the road after traffic ground to a halt for several kilometres. Travellers cited a mix of ongoing roadworks and indiscipline by drivers eager to make multiple trips while ferrying passengers heading upcountry for the holidays.
The Mai Mahiu stretch in Naivasha and the Salgaa–Mau Summit section were among the worst hit. Similar congestion has been reported on major highways across the country as Kenyans travel to rural homes and holiday destinations to celebrate the festive season.
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