The National Police Service (NPS) has announced temporary traffic diversion measures following a major snarl-up along the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway.
In a statement on Saturday, April 25, NPS said the diversion was necessitated by a lorry accident in the Sachangwan area in Molo.
“Following a self-involved accident at around 1340 hours, where a lorry has straddled both sides of the busy Nakuru–Eldoret Highway at the Sachangwan area, the National Police Service (NPS) has devised temporary diversion strategies as follows,” NPS said.
According to NPS, the incident occurred today at around 1:40 p.m., when a self-involved accident left the vehicle straddling both sides of the busy highway, disrupting traffic flow.
NPS Announces Traffic Diversion
Motorists traveling along the Kericho–Kisumu Highway have been diverted to use the Njoro–Molo–Nakuru Road.
Those heading from Nakuru to Eldoret have been advised to use the Nakuru–Eldama Ravine–Eldoret Road.
“Motorists are asked to observe lane discipline and follow the instructions given by the police as this situation is addressed,” NPS said.
Meanwhile, NPS said efforts are currently ongoing to quickly remove the obstructing loaded lorry.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to providing up-to-date information in the service of the public.
Sachangwan and the nearby Migaa area are known accident black spots along the highway.
Also Read: Traffic Advisory: 7 Roads to Close for 6 Hours During Eldoret City Marathon
In December last year, a lorry driver was killed in an accident on the Sachangwan area in Molo along the Eldoret–Nakuru highway.
According to reports, the lorry lost its brakes and crashed into six other vehicles, including two Nissan matatus.
Nakuru County traffic enforcement officer Emmanuel Opuru confirmed the incident, saying the lorry driver died on the spot.
Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to various hospitals, including Molo Sub-County Hospital and the Provincial General Hospital (PGH) in Nakuru, for treatment.
Also Read: New Rules Proposed on Vehicle Detention Under Traffic Amendment Bill 2026
Sachangwan Blackspot Claimed Dozens of Lives
The Sachangwan stretch has long been considered a black spot, with a history of deadly accidents.
On January 31, 2009, at least 111 people were killed and hundreds injured in Molo along the busy Nakuru–Eldoret Highway after a fuel tanker overturned. Many of the victims died in a stampede as they tried to scoop spilled fuel.
The tragedy, documented as Kenya’s worst tanker fire, highlighted the risks driven by poverty, where people risk their lives to collect a potentially deadly substance.
Since then, the government has undertaken rehabilitation works on the highway, including widening sections of the road and improving markings and signage to enhance safety.
Upgrades have also seen the conversion of the Mau Summit junction and Ngata areas into dual carriageways, with further plans to redesign parts of the road to separate trucks from smaller vehicles in a bid to reduce accidents and save lives.
