Travelers utilizing the Nairobi-Nakuru highway found themselves nearly stranded in a traffic jam throughout Sunday evening.
The congestion resulted from a truck malfunctioning in the Ngarariga section of Limuru Sub-county, prompting numerous vehicles to attempt overtaking maneuvers to bypass the obstruction.
Nearby, a detour route that connects to and exits Limuru town had been established by the contractor following the closure of an underpass due to ongoing road expansion.
On Monday, driver Ben Kihara reported that vehicles were failing to yield for others entering or exiting the detour, extending the duration of the traffic congestion.
Kihara commented, ‘Our drivers frequently rush. When encountering traffic, accidents, or intersections, excessive speed is dangerous. It can lead to further accidents or worsen road blockages.’
Kihara mentioned that officers from the Tigoni police station, under the direction of base commander Agripina Lugonzo, promptly arrived and began clearing the traffic jam.
Law enforcement faced challenges with drivers hesitant to maneuver off the main road, as the contractor had recently graded the roadside area, creating muddy conditions due to recent heavy rainfall in the region.
Lugonzo urged drivers to show mutual respect to alleviate traffic congestion.
She stated, ‘Everyone wishes to depart from the road and continue their journey, yet we must demonstrate mutual respect. We need to allow others the opportunity to advance rather than obstructing their path.’
Although the highway was initially obstructed at approximately 7 pm, it was fully cleared by 3 am after police facilitated the smooth movement of traffic.
Drivers taking rural alternative routes encountered difficulties becoming trapped in muddy potholes.
Travelers also requested that the contractor responsible for the Nairobi-Nakuru highway expansion project from Kamandura to Mau Summit improve the detour arrangements to minimize the recurring traffic congestion typical during month-end weekends.
Matatu driver Kevin Kimani commented, ‘We’ve observed police officers working throughout the night to clear the roads. These traffic situations result from our negligence, excessive speed, and poor planning.’