Transport operations along the busy Mai Mahiu–Escarpment route have been disrupted after a major traffic standstill left motorists and truck drivers stranded for hours.
Long Distance Truck Drivers and Conductors Association reported no movement along the route, with heavy congestion causing a long queue of vehicles. Photos shared by the association showed several trucks along the road as drivers waited for traffic flow to resume.
The route serves as a key connection for motorists and cargo transporters using the Nairobi–Nakuru highway corridor.
Trucks Stuck as Traffic Gridlock Brings Movement to a Halt
According to the association, the traffic situation had worsened, with the queue of vehicles stretching nearly to Kamandura.
Also Read: KeNHA Announces One-Month Closure of Waiyaki Way Between GTC and Kempinski
The standstill affected long-distance truck drivers, who rely on the route to transport goods between different parts of the country.
“No movement along Mai – Mahiu – Escarpment route. Traffic is almost reaching Kamandura,” the statement read.
Images shared from the scene showed heavy commercial vehicles lined up along the road, with no movement reported. The congestion created challenges for drivers who had to remain on the road for extended periods as they waited for the situation to ease.
The Mai Mahiu–Escarpment section is known for experiencing traffic pressure due to its terrain, sharp sections, and high volume of vehicles, especially heavy trucks transporting goods.
Mai Mahiu–Escarpment Route Faces Frequent Traffic Pressure
The Long Distance Truck Drivers and Conductors Association issued the alert to notify road users about the disruption and encourage motorists to prepare for delays while using the route.
Motorists using the route were advised to exercise patience and remain cautious while approaching the affected area, especially due to the possibility of further delays.
Mai Mahiu–Escarpment route is one of the critical sections of the Nairobi–Nakuru highway, connecting motorists traveling towards Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, and neighboring regions.
The road regularly experiences heavy traffic due to the high number of private vehicles, public transport vehicles, and commercial trucks using the corridor daily.
At the time of reporting, The Kenya National Highway Authority (KenHA) had not issued any alternative route or statement regarding the situation.
Earlier on, KeNHA, when the Mai Mahiu stretch was impassable, the authority issued an alternative route.
KeNHA Gives Alternative Routes to Motorists
Motorists who were yet to commence on their journeys were been advised to consider using the Narok–Njoro–Nakuru (B18) Road as an alternative route.
Other alternative routes include:
- Ngong–Suswa
- Nairobi–Naivasha–Longonot–Suswa
- Nairobi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Narok–Narok
KeNHA Announces Closure of Waiyaki Way
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary partial closure of a section of Waiyaki Way (A8 Road) between GTC and Kempinski on the Mombasa-bound lanes to facilitate highway maintenance works.
In a notice on Friday, July 24, KeNHA said the partial closure will take effect from Friday, July 31, 2026, until Monday, August 31, 2026.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) notifies the public that a section of Waiyaki Way (A8 Road) between GTC and Kempinski on the Mombasa-bound lanes will be temporarily closed from Friday, July 31, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026,” stated KeNHA.
According to the authority, the temporary closure is intended to allow maintenance works on the affected section of the highway.
Also Read: KeNHA Unveils 25 New Road Links to Connect Kiambu Estates to Nairobi Western Bypass
KeNHA Advisory to Motorists and Alternative Routes
KeNHA advised motorists using Waiyaki Way during the period to utilize the sections of the road that will remain open and to consider alternative routes to minimize traffic disruption.
The authority further urged road users to follow the proposed traffic management plan and cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals who will be deployed at the site to manage traffic flow.
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