Tourists were among hundreds of motorists stranded on the Nakuru-Narok Highway on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, morning due to a massive traffic jam.
This is after residents of Olokurto ward barricaded the highway as they protested the poor condition of roads in the area, disrupting flow of traffic.
According to reports, the demonstrators want their area Member of Parliament (MP), Agnes Mantaine, to address the deteriorating state of the Lengetia-Olpusimoru Road.
Images and videos seen by The Kenya Times depicted long queues of vehicles, including tourist Vans, and Lorries with goods caught in the gridlock.
Vehicles were seen parked along the road with no movement going on.
Tourists and Motorists Caught Up in Traffic
The situation further worsened as residents intensified their demonstration, prompting some motorists to seek alternative routes.
Some passengers resorted to exiting their vehicles and trekking on foot as the traffic jam, which affected both lanes of the road, worsened.
Earlier in April 2024, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) had to close a section of the road after debris was swept into the roads following a heavy downpour.
Also Read: Frustration as Motorists Are Stuck in Night-Long Traffic Jam Along Busy Highway
Consequently, motorists plying the Mai Mahiu-Suswa/Narok highway were advised to seek alternative routes.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to notify the public of the closure of Mai Mahiu – Narok Road,” KeNHA said a statement.
“This follows sudden siltation, coupled with heavy debris deposited on a section stretching over a kilometre this evening at Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.”
Residents Blocking Roads
Similarly, Motorists using the busy Nairobi-Nakuru Highway in July 19 faced a prolonged traffic jam near Kimende with delays lasting over 11 hours.
The heavy traffic jam extended from Gitaru through Kimende, Kijabe, and Kinungi to Naivasha.
Also Read: Traffic Disruption as Protesters Close Busy Highway
Transport was paralyzed after residents from Lari protested against Kenya Power for leaving them in the dark for three months.
What began as a mid-morning demonstration escalated, leading to protesters blocking one of the major highways. This action caused a massive traffic backlog, bringing movement to a halt.
Furthermore, travelers, including school going children, were caught in the traffic snarl-up and with many forced to spend the whole night at Kimende.
Some passengers had to light bonfires to stay warm as temperatures dropped, with scenes of the night captured and shared widely on social media.
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