MASSIVE 15-HOUR TRAFFIC SNARL-UP PARALYZES NAIROBI-NAKURU HIGHWAY

Hundreds of motorists were stranded for over 15 hours in a massive traffic jam along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, with many forced to spend the night on the road. The congestion began around 8:30 PM on Thursday, August 28,2025, and remained unresolved by 9:00 AM the following morning. According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the snarl-up was triggered by an unusually high number of vehicles heading to Gilgil for the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade.

The situation was made worse by widespread lane indiscipline, as many drivers overlapped and blocked oncoming lanes, further impeding the flow of traffic. Photos shared on social media showed a long trail of stalled vehicles, including numerous long-distance public service vehicles (PSVs) that frequently use the busy route, especially at night and early morning.

The most affected area was near the Gilgil Weighbridge, where traffic ground to a halt due to overlapping and slow clearance efforts. KeNHA confirmed the situation was particularly severe between Naivasha and Kikopey and assured the public that it was working with traffic police to ease the gridlock. “Motorists are urged to observe lane discipline and avoid overlapping, as it will make it impossible to ease the congestion,” KeNHA stated, emphasizing that poor driving behavior had significantly contributed to the extended delay.

KeNHA also advised motorists traveling from Nairobi to Nakuru to consider alternative routes, including the Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Lanet and Flyover–Njabini–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Lanet routes. The Nairobi–Nakuru highway has long been prone to traffic gridlocks, particularly during national events, festive seasons, and school calendar transitions, sparking repeated calls for long-term solutions from motorists and the public.