Motorists traveling for the December holidays along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway have faced severe traffic jams, with some lasting over for hours before they cleared.
Traffic congestion has become a recurring issue during the festivities, as thousands travel along the busy route to celebrate Christmas and New Year. According to the National Police Service, the situation worsened due to motorists failing to observe lane discipline.
“The Authority, with the support of traffic police, are at hand to give the necessary guidance and traffic control for a smooth flow in a bid to ensure you reach your destinations safely and without delays,” KeNHA wrote.
The government on its end explored the idea of expanding the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. On Sunday, President William Ruto announced that construction of a dual carriageway for the route is set to commence in 2025.
Speaking during a church service in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto shared that a private contractor would execute the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The construction will be carried out in two phases: the first covering the stretch from Nairobi to Nakuru, and the second extending from Nakuru to Malaba.
He noted that the government had previously contracted a French Company for the job of revamping the road. However, it did not work out as expected.
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“We had a PPP programme with a French Company, but it did not work out. However, we have an alternative that we are working on as a government,” he stated.
“The commitment I want to give you is that next year, we will begin the construction of the dual carriageway from Nairobi to Nakuru first, and then from Nakuru to Malaba,” Ruto added.
Discussions with various private companies about constructing the road are already underway. This approach will not only focus on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway but also address other incomplete road projects across the country.
