The December holidays in Kenya are synonymous with joy, family reunions, and unfortunately, grueling traffic jams. As thousands of Kenyans head upcountry to celebrate the festive season, the country's major arterial roads -- most notably the Nairobi-Nakuru highway -- have become bottlenecks of frustration.
In response to the escalating situation, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a vital travel advisory. Under the leadership of Director General Luka Kimeli, the authority is urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, patience, and strategic planning to navigate the holiday rush safely.
As of late December 2025, the Nairobi-Nakuru highway has been gripped by a massive traffic snarl-up that has entered its fourth consecutive day. The congestion is most severe between the Kimende and Flyover stretches, as well as the Limuru-Mai Mahiu road.
Footage from the ground reveals a sea of vehicles -- ranging from long-haul trailers and public service buses to private family cars -- crawling at a snail's pace. The primary culprits? A massive influx of travelers compounded by "bad manners" on the road, specifically overlapping and lane indiscipline. When drivers attempt to create "third and fourth lanes," they effectively lock the highway in both directions, turning a three-hour journey into a twelve-hour ordeal.
To mitigate the chaos, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli has outlined several mandatory and advisory steps for all road users:
KeNHA emphasizes that the "last-minute rush" is the biggest contributor to gridlock. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys well in advance. If possible, travel during off-peak hours or days to avoid the peak surges that typically occur right before Christmas and New Year's Day.
To de-congest the main highway, KeNHA recommends that motorists use available alternative routes. For those heading to Western Kenya or the North Rift, consider routes that bypass the traditional Kimende-Flyover hotspot. Utilizing the Narok-Mai Mahiu road or other link roads can significantly reduce the pressure on the primary Rironi-Mau Summit stretch.
The authority has taken a stern stance on lane discipline. "Avoid overlapping and reckless overtaking," Kimeli warned. Overlapping might seem like a quick fix to get ahead, but it is the leading cause of "deadlocks," where neither side can move. Stick to your lane, respect the flow of traffic, and obey all posted traffic signs.
Holiday travel often involves long distances that can lead to driver fatigue. KeNHA insists that all drivers must be well-rested before getting behind the wheel. Furthermore, there is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence. Sobriety is essential not just for legal compliance, but for the safety of your passengers and other road users.
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators have been reminded to strictly adhere to approved passenger limits. Overloading not only endangers lives but also puts undue strain on the vehicle's braking systems during long descents like the Mai Mahiu escarpment. PSVs are also required to use only designated pick-up and drop-off points to prevent further obstruction of traffic.
While the current situation is challenging, help is on the way. President William Ruto recently flagged off the Ksh170 billion Rironi-Mau Summit road construction project. This massive undertaking aims to dual the 175-kilometer highway, a move that is expected to permanently resolve the perennial traffic woes of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret corridor. Currently, expansion works are already visible at the Rironi section, signaling a future of smoother transit.
Beyond the official advisory, here are a few "human" tips to help you survive the festive trek:
The festive season should be a time for celebration, not tragedy or extreme stress. By following KeNHA's advisory -- planning early, staying disciplined, and considering alternative routes -- we can all play a part in making the roads safer and more navigable.
As KeNHA works to ensure a "safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience," the responsibility ultimately lies with the person behind the wheel. Let's drive with care and reach our destinations safely.