The State Department for the East African Community assured neighbouring countries that the 15-hour snarl-up along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway has been cleared to enhance traffic flow and strengthen regional connectivity.
The highway is a critical segment of the Northern Corridor, one of the major gateways for regional trade as it connects the Mombasa Port to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
EAC Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu explained that the overnight traffic was caused by two separate accidents at Soysambu and Mbaruk, which were further affected by heavy rainfall.
She said the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and security agencies restored normalcy in a joint operation. “I have spoken to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja and we are pleased to report that traffic is now clearing and the flow of vehicles is steadily returning to normal,” she stated.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to eliminate trade barriers and enhance infrastructural connectivity as part of President William Ruto’s chairmanship priorities.
“Our rapid response today is a testament to our resolve to deliver tangible benefits to all East Africans and to uphold the principles of the EAC Treaty,” the statement read in part.
Hundreds of road users on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway experienced a 15-hour traffic standstill that forced many of them to spend the night on the road on Friday.
Some had to cancel their trips in the chaos. Others missed their flights and appointments because of the jam that stretched from Lanet to Naivasha.
The traffic, which started at around 6 p.m. on Friday, cleared at around 11 a.m. on Saturday.
National Police Service spokesman Michael Muchiri explained the incident was caused by several factors, the key among them being heavy rainfall in Nakuru City and its surroundings, which began at around 4:00 pm Friday and continued until 8:00 pm, a non-injury traffic accident near Baruk area, a second non-injury accident near Soysambu area, which further disrupted traffic flow just as it was stabilising.
“The situation was further exacerbated by motorists failing to adhere to traffic rules, leading to overlapping and lane indiscipline.”
“NPS, with support from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and Ministry of Transport officials, responded swiftly and progressively restored smooth traffic flow,” he said.
He said additional police officers have been deployed and will take stern action against those flouting traffic rules.
“We urge motorists to remain patient, maintain lane discipline, consider alternative routes to ease congestion and enhance road safety.”
Police were overwhelmed by the chaos leaving the motorists crying on their own.
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