Police have initiated a comprehensive strategy to manage vehicle flow along the bustling Nairobi-Nakuru highway, aiming to prevent traffic congestion during Christmas Eve.
Officers have been strategically deployed from the Kamandura area in Limuru all the way to Nakuru, covering sections that have historically experienced severe traffic congestion.
Authorities highlighted that specific sections, particularly Kimende, Magina, Kinale, Flyover, Ihindu, and Kinungi, have a notorious history. Motorists have previously spent entire nights stuck in jams there, even in the absence of accidents.
To prevent a recurrence of such issues, several police officers have been stationed every three kilometers along the route. Their primary role is to actively monitor vehicle flow and ensure smooth movement.
Lari Sub-County Police Commander Emily Ngaruiya explained that during the festive season, the highway typically experiences an overwhelming surge of vehicles as motorists travel upcountry for celebrations.
She noted, “Many people are traveling using public service vehicles, personal cars, and car hires. They are heading to various parts of the country, including Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, and even our neighboring countries.”
Ngaruiya further stated that the police officers’ main objective is to strictly enforce traffic rules, prevent vehicle overlapping, and ultimately ensure that no traffic jams occur.
She urged motorists to diligently observe traffic rules and remain considerate of other road users to prevent any adverse incidents.
“We urge motorists to be careful, as everyone is eager to reach their destinations,” she cautioned. “Avoid rushing, do not overlap, and do not overspeed. Instead, be cautious, because we will easily spot any infractions.”
Base commanders in Limuru and Lari have received additional officers from the crime department. These reinforcements will help oversee the smooth movement of vehicles and maintain order.
Travelers relying on Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) have encountered an unexpected challenge. Some PSV operators are reportedly avoiding the main highway, fearing arrest for traffic offenses.
Simon Kamau remarked, “We’ve noticed that some of the PSVs we usually use are now operational. However, we’ve heard that some drivers are apprehensive about being arrested for offenses like overlapping or picking up/dropping off passengers at undesignated stages.”
Kamau further explained, “We were traveling from Kimende to Limuru. Usually, getting a PSV is straightforward, but today we’ve been waiting for nearly an hour.”
Villian Wanja reported that PSVs have also increased fares significantly. Some are now charging Sh50 for the Nyambari to Limuru route, a considerable jump from the standard Sh30.
She noted this fare hike began unusually early, as in previous years, increases typically commenced around December 23rd.
However, Wanja appealed to matatu saccos to ensure fare increments cease after the festive season, specifically by December 26th. She highlighted that many residents commute daily to Limuru town for work from nearby villages like Ngarariga, Murengeti, Nyambari, and Ndeiya.
Nevertheless, Kamau expressed gratitude to the police for deploying officers along the highway, believing their presence will foster greater discipline among road users.
