The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public advisory as traffic volumes rise sharply across major roads and highways with the onset of the festive season.
In a statement on Sunday, December 21, KeNHA noted that traffic has already begun increasing significantly nationwide and reminded road users that safety is a shared responsibility.
"The festive season is here. Traffic has started to soar significantly on all roads, highways included. The Authority wishes to remind all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility.
"All road users, therefore, should exercise patience, courtesy and caution while on the road," the statement read.
KeNHA further outlined several measures aimed at ensuring smooth travel, including proper journey planning, strict compliance with traffic laws, use of alternative routes where possible, and adherence to speed limits to reduce congestion and accidents.
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"In a bid to realize smooth travels, the Authority wishes to guide the public as flows: All road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance so as to allow adequate travel time, and strictly adhere to all traffic rules and regulations; Motorists should take advantage of alternative routes, whenever they are available, to avoid congestion; and Motorists are urged to observe posted speed limits and avoid speeding," the statement added.
KeNHA also highlighted specific responsibilities for motorists and public service vehicle operators, urging discipline on the roads, compliance with traffic signage, and strict observance of safety and capacity rules, while emphasizing the importance of driver fitness and sobriety.
"Motorists are encouraged to observe and obey traffic signs, maintain lane discipline, avoid overlapping, and reckless overtaking; Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and drivers are reminded to adhere to approved passenger capacity limits, and observe designated pick-up and drop-off points, pack trucks on the designated truck pack; and All drivers should be well-rested before embarking on their journeys, and remain sober and fit to drive at all times," the statement further read.
KeNHA expressed hope that all travelers will arrive safely and enjoy the holidays with their families.
"The Authority wishes to assure the public of the continued commitment to ensure a safe, smooth, and secure holiday travel experience for all road users. Everyone should reach their destinations safely and reunite with their loved ones," the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, earlier Sunday, KeNHA revealed the main cause of the traffic congestion experienced on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
According to the agency, the snarl-up experienced on the road was due to indiscipline on the side of most motorists.
"KeNHA wishes to notify motorists travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru that there has been a significant increase in traffic volumes, leading to congestion at various sections of the road. The congestion is largely due to lane indiscipline and overlapping," the agency said.
Motorists and travellers on the highway were caught in a gridlock that lasted hours, causing journey delays.
According to KeNHA, all that was occasioned by motorists overlapping on the highway and others failing to observe lane discipline.
It called on the motorists to adhere to the traffic rules and comply with the directives of the traffic police officers on the ground.
"Road users are urged to exercise patience, avoid overlapping, and strictly follow directions issued by traffic police officers and marshals to prevent prolonged delays," KeNHA said.
"Motorists are reminded not to drive on opposing lanes of the dual carriageway, even when traffic on the climbing lanes is slow-moving. KeNHA wishes all motorists a safe journey and a happy festive season," it added.
