This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
On a typical Friday night, hundreds of travellers are caught up in a traffic snarl-up that extends 10km on both directions of the Gilgil weighbridge on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The situation has become a perennial problem, with motorists sighing relief every time they pass through the weighbridge.
According to Gilgil OCPD Emmanuel Opuru, the problem is caused by a lack of discipline and impatience among drivers. However, traders count losses running into millions of shillings every time there is a jam on the road.
On Friday, August 2, 2019, hundreds of motorists were forced to spend the night on the troubled section of the road due to yet another traffic crisis. The closure of a section of the road used by heavy trucks led to the jam that stretched more than 10 kilometres on both sides of the weighbridge.
Abel Wahome, a matatu driver, said the jam started on Friday morning and worsened as the day wore off. The situation was worsened by overlapping drivers who failed to give way, forcing traffic officers to watch helplessly as the crisis deepened.
A passenger, Pentrina Muthoni, who was heading to Nakuru from Nairobi, told of passengers' agony, with some forced to relieve themselves in the bushes and seek food from hawkers.
