Construction continues along the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway ahead of festive-season travel.
KeNHA urges motorists to check their vehicles and stay alert around construction zones ahead of Christmas and New Year travel.
A KeNHA traffic advisory urges motorists using the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway to exercise caution as construction continues. The warning comes ahead of festive-season travel along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru route.
The Kenya National Highways Authority asked drivers to ensure their vehicles remain in good working condition. In particular, motorists should check brakes and indicator lights, obey traffic rules and approach construction areas carefully.
Thousands of Kenyans prepare to travel upcountry for Christmas and New Year celebrations. During this period, traffic typically increases towards Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and neighbouring countries.
The corridor has previously experienced severe holiday congestion. Some travellers have spent hours, or even nights, in traffic as vehicles compete for limited road space.
KeNHA traffic advisory as highway works advance
The warning follows Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir’s inspection of ongoing construction along the corridor. During the inspection, contractors laid the first layer of tarmac at Lari, marking progress on the expansion.
The government aims to complete and open the Rironi-Naivasha section before the end of 2026. Chirchir also said parts of the road would open to motorists ahead of the Christmas travel period.
However, work will continue on other sections of the 233-kilometre project, including stretches towards Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit. Motorists will therefore still encounter active construction areas along parts of the route.
More than 1,000 pieces of heavy machinery are supporting the works. Drivers should also remain alert around construction equipment, diversions and changing traffic arrangements.
NTSA steps up festive-season enforcement
Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority is intensifying enforcement through its Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani campaign. The initiative includes day and night inspections along major transport routes.
Officers are targeting speeding, drunk driving, overloading and faulty speed limiters. They are also checking driving licences, PSV badges, passenger manifests and inspection stickers, alongside authorised passenger and load limits.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has separately directed officers to strengthen traffic enforcement during the festive period. His directive targets drunk driving, speeding, dangerous driving, overloading and unroadworthy vehicles and motorcycles.
Kanja said police expect increased road traffic and commercial activity in the final weeks of the year. He therefore urged officers to act against these offences.
