There has been an uproar among motorists using the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and other social media users following an update by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) concerning a heavy traffic jam witnessed along the highway.
KeNHA on Friday, April 19, night issued an update noting that the traffic situation between Kijabe and Soko Mjinga along the busy highway was worsening.
The Authority further indicated that the situation which ran for over six hours was worsening due to the overlapping caused by impatient drivers.
“Motorists are advised to avoid overlapping and those planning to travel are advised to delay their journey or use the aforementioned alternative routes,” read part of the statement.
According to KeNHA, motorists planning to continue with the journey were advised to consider diverting to the Naivasha – Mai Mahiu Road for smoother travel.
KeNHA Update
The update came after the Authority had earlier alerted motorists about the snarl up while noting that an operation to ease the traffic had been launched.
According to the KeNHA, traffic marshals and its contractor have since been deployed on site to restore traffic flow.
Motorists plying along the busy highway had earlier on April 19 complained of being stuck for over six hours with no traffic flow.
Preliminary reports indicated that the traffic Jam started near the Kinare area after residents blocked the road while protesting.
Furthermore, motorists using the route reported that heavy rains hit the area which could have also contributed to the snarl up and overlapping.
Photos seen by The Kenya Times showed a long trail of vehicles along the highway with no visible motion.
Reactions
Following the update by KeNHA, Kenyans reacted with a majority expressing their frustrations while calling on the government for action.
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“Limuru Nairobi road is a parking bay, those who wish to join today can go there,” posted a social media user.
Another social media user made an appeal to the Authority to involve the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to help in clearing the traffic.
“Involve National Police Service and NTSA to detain or fine the overlapping drivers. Do this consistently until we change our attitude on the road,” said Idris Ibrahim.
Collins Gichuki on his part echoed Ibrahim’s words noting that drivers who overlap should be dealt with by being slapped with fines.
He noted that the major cause of the snarl up along the highway was the overlapping caused by impatient drivers, highlighting that the incident which had led to the jam had already been cleared.
Brian Gitachu reacted and lamented of being caught up in such situations severally while using the road.
“Just expand this road guys from Nairobi – Nakuru. I’m exhausted every now and then while driving this highway. We all know overlapping isn’t the issue here,” he said.
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At the same time, Peter Munya complained of been stagnant for two hours while attaching a photo which showed that the area was experiencing rainfall.
NTSA Alert
NTSA earlier in the month while issuing a warning to motorists through a statement noted that the heavy rains being experienced in most parts of the country create potentially dangerous conditions for road users.
The Authority urged motorists to reduce their speed since dirt, soil, and oil deposits resulting from heavy rainfall may lead to formation of slippery surfaces which make stopping more difficult thus raising the possibility of losing control,
Members of were asked to be extra vigilant, courteous, and cognizant of their safety as well as look out for vulnerable road users including children, pedestrians among others.
Additionally, the authority made an appeal to motorists urging them to avoid driving through flooded roads, flash floods, and flood riverbeds.
