Motorists Forced to Overnight on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Due to Massive Traffic Jam at Gilgil
Hundreds of drivers and passengers found themselves stranded along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Friday after a severe traffic buildup developed at the Gilgil weighbridge section.
The congestion kicked off around 2 p.m. due to an overwhelming number of vehicles using the route, worsened by reckless drivers attempting to overtake and merge improperly. Queues of private vehicles, matatus, and large trucks extended for several kilometers, particularly between Gilgil and the Mbaruk area, bringing movement to a complete halt and turning what should have been a routine journey into an exhausting ordeal.
As the gridlock showed no signs of easing through the evening and into the night, many motorists had no choice but to spend the entire night parked on the roadside or in their vehicles. The situation persisted well into Saturday morning, leaving travelers fatigued and frustrated. Witnesses described long lines of stationary traffic stretching far into the distance, with no immediate relief in sight despite the heavy volume affecting both directions of travel.
Bus operator Ena Coach released a statement on Saturday acknowledging the disruption, explaining that the snarl-up was delaying departures from Nairobi to upcountry destinations, returns to the capital, and even services involving Mombasa. They apologized for the inconvenience to passengers and parcel services, urging patience as relevant authorities worked to clear the backlog and restore smooth flow on this vital highway corridor.
