Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory warning motorists to brace for heavy congestion on major roads as Kenyans travel across the country for the festive season.
In a statement, KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli said traffic volumes have begun to rise sharply on highways and urban roads alike, a trend that is expected to intensify in the days leading up to Christmas and the New Year.
He noted that the increase in road usage requires heightened vigilance and cooperation from all road users.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and all road users should therefore exercise patience, courtesy and caution while on the road,” Kimeli said.
He urged motorists to plan their journeys well in advance to allow for adequate travel time, warning that last-minute travel and impatience often contribute to accidents and unnecessary delays.
Drivers were also advised to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to ensure smoother traffic flow.
Kimeli encouraged motorists to make use of alternative routes where available to ease congestion on major highways.
He stressed the importance of observing posted speed limits and avoiding speeding, which he said remains one of the leading causes of road crashes during peak travel periods.
Motorists were further urged to obey traffic signs, maintain lane discipline, avoid overlapping and refrain from reckless overtaking, practices that often worsen congestion and increase the risk of accidents.
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and drivers were reminded to comply with approved passenger capacity limits and to use designated pick-up and drop-off points. KeNHA also cautioned truck drivers to park only at designated truck parks to prevent obstruction of traffic flow.
“All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys and remain sober and fit to drive at all times,” Kimeli said, noting that fatigue and impaired driving significantly increase the likelihood of road accidents.
Reassuring the public, Kimeli said KeNHA remains committed to ensuring safety and efficiency on the roads during the festive period.
“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. Everyone should reach their destinations safely and reunite with their loved ones,” he said.
KeNHA also wished Kenyans safe and pleasant travels during the festive season, extending Christmas and New Year greetings to road users across the country.
On Saturday, KeNHA warned motorists travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru to expect significant delays following a sharp surge in traffic volumes along the busy highway.
KeNHA identified Naivasha, Gilgil, Kikopey and Nakuru Town as some of the most affected areas, where long queues of vehicles have been reported as holiday travel intensifies.
The Nairobi–Nakuru highway is among Kenya’s busiest transport routes, serving thousands of motorists daily and acting as a critical link between Nairobi, the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
