The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a travel advisory urging drivers to plan ahead and adhere to traffic rules as heavy congestion persists on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, now in its fourth day due to the Christmas rush. Director General Luka Kimeli emphasized the need for drivers to rest well and avoid driving under the influence. The jam has been caused by lane indiscipline and ongoing road construction.
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued detailed directives to drivers and vehicle owners amid heavy congestion on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Director General Luka Kimeli stated that early planning is essential to allow sufficient travel time, especially for long distances. He advised drivers intending to use gridlocked roads to opt for alternative routes to ease the jam.
Kimeli stressed observing speed limits, avoiding speeding, obeying traffic signs, maintaining lane discipline, refraining from overlapping, and avoiding reckless overtaking. For Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, he urged adherence to approved passenger capacities and designated pick-up and drop-off points. "All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys and remain sober and fit to drive at all times," Kimeli emphasized.
"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," he added. This snarl-up has persisted for four days due to the Christmas rush, caused by lane congestion and overlapping vehicles, blocking both lanes. The worst-affected areas are the Mai Mahiu stretch in Naivasha and the Salgaa-Mau Summit section, where vehicles are moving at a snail's pace.
Footage obtained shows several vehicles, including buses, personal cars, and trailers, lined up along the highway. Additionally, a sinkhole developed near the Ever Ready roundabout in Nakuru, closing the Nakuru-bound carriageway. Road construction is ongoing at Salgaa-Mau Summit and Mai Mahiu, constricting significant road segments.
President William Ruto has vowed to dual the 175-kilometer highway, with expansion works underway at the Rironi section. KeNHA has ordered drivers to stick to their lanes, avoid merging, and follow traffic rules. Alternative routes suggested include: for Nakuru-bound, Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Ol Joro Orok-Lanet; for Western and Nyanza regions, Nairobi-Suswa-Narok; and for Central Kenya, Nairobi-Nyeri-Nyahururu. Traffic police, NTSA officers, and mobile courts have been deployed to address overlaps and driving under the influence.
