Motorists endured a long and frustrating night on the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway after heavy rains disrupted traffic flow on Friday, February 27.
Drivers took to social media to decry a massive traffic snarl-up stretching from the Gilgil Weighbridge to Kikopey. By early Saturday morning, reports indicated that the situation had barely improved, with vehicles gridlocked for hours.
One motorist shared online that he arrived at the Gilgil Weighbridge at 5:20am only to find traffic at a complete standstill. “An hour later, we haven’t moved at all,” he lamented. Another traveler noted that although he had often heard of motorists being forced to sleep on the road due to traffic, he was now experiencing it firsthand.
According to reports, the congestion began Friday evening between Nakuru and Gilgil before worsening overnight. The traffic buildup is believed to have been triggered by a collision involving a truck and a smaller vehicle along the Longonot–Mai Mahiu section of the busy highway.
Public service vehicles (PSVs), including several long-distance bus operators, were among those affected. One bus company notified passengers of delays, citing heavy traffic near Kinungi along the Nakuru–Nairobi route.
The backlog reportedly extends even before Kikopey as vehicles heading toward Nakuru City encounter slow-moving traffic. Real-time traffic updates show congestion beginning near Wellspring Secondary School as motorists approach Gilgil town.
Motorists traveling toward Nairobi have been advised to consider alternative routes, including the Nakuru–Narok–Mai Mahiu road, to avoid further delays.