This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
Published on June 26, 2021, the closure of the Nairobi-Nakuru highway caused a major traffic jam, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded.
Police had mounted a roadblock near the Naivasha junction, forcing drivers to take alternative routes, such as the Naivasha-Kirima road.
Traders along the highway, however, saw an opportunity to make a profit, as stranded motorists sought meals and other essential services from them.
On Monday, the government gazetted several roads in the country that would be closed down this week to give drivers competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) the right of way.
Passengers, including John Wasike, who was headed to Kakamega, expressed frustration at the closure, which had inconvenienced them and put them at risk of missing the 7 pm curfew in Western Kenya.
“The rally is good, but the organisers should consider other motorists who have nothing to do with this exercise,” Wasike said.
Simon Kuria, another driver, questioned why the road was still closed by 11 am, despite the rally cars already being in Soysambu.
“This event has created a business for some people and ended up messing the lives of hundreds of others and this is unfair,” Kuria said.
Naivasha OCPD Samuel Waweru defended the move, stating that it had been gazetted earlier to give motorists time to plan and reroute.
“We have directed motorists to use alternative routes like the one through Kinangop as the road will remain closed until the rally cars are back in the evening,” Waweru said.
