Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, A Festive Season Nightmare for Kenyan Travellers

December 21, 2024
By Ekaale Ekuam
The Nairobi-Nakuru highway, one of Kenya’s most vital transport corridors, once again lived up to its reputation as a traveller’s nightmare this festive season. On December 20th, what should have been a joyous journey for thousands of Kenyans heading to their rural homes turned into a test of endurance, patience, and resilience.
This key route, which links Nairobi to Nakuru and extends further to Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, and the Busia border point, experienced an unprecedented traffic snarl-up, leaving travellers stuck for hours. For some, the journey that would typically take a few hours turned into a 12-hour ordeal. Families with children endured the brunt of the chaos, their excitement for the Christmas season marred by endless queues of vehicles.
The economic cost of such traffic gridlocks cannot be overstated. Businesses relying on the efficient movement of goods along this highway face losses running into millions of shillings. Perishable goods, crucial for festive celebrations, risk spoilage, affecting suppliers and consumers alike. Transporters, who play a critical role in connecting Kenya to the East African region, face operational setbacks that ripple across economies.
For ordinary Kenyans, the frustrations are not just financial but also emotional. Parents travelling with young children grapple with fatigue and uncertainty, while workers lose valuable time that could have been spent productively or with family.

The Nairobi-Nakuru highway has long been due for an upgrade to a dual carriageway. Its current state is a bottleneck for development and regional integration. The festive season amplifies its inadequacies, but the truth is that this is a year-round problem. The government must act with urgency to expand and modernize this highway to meet the demands of an ever-growing population and economy.
A dual carriageway would create an efficient road network minimizes delays, ensuring travellers and goods reach their destinations faster. Many accidents on this road result from the narrow, congested lanes. Expanding it would significantly reduce road fatalities.The highway is a critical link for trade between Kenya and neighboring countries. A modern road would enhance economic integration and competitiveness. Kenyans deserve reliable infrastructure that supports their aspirations, not one that holds them hostage during important celebrations.

The Nairobi-Nakuru highway is not just a road; it is a lifeline for millions of Kenyans. Its continued neglect is a disservice to the nation. The government must prioritize this issue, not only for the festive season but for the long-term economic growth and well-being of its citizens.
This festive season should serve as a wake-up call. The frustration and fatigue experienced by travellers on December 20th are a clarion call for action. Kenyans deserve better infrastructure, and the time to act is now. Will continue to suffer come next year?
The Author
Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.