This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Heavy rains have brought chaos to Kenya's highways, causing landslides and traffic snarls that have left hundreds of motorists stranded for hours.
The worst affected areas include the Kajiado-Namanga highway, Gilgil, and Londiani routes, where landslides have blocked major highways.
Motorists and passengers were forced to spend the night in the cold, with some families having to endure hunger, sleep deprivation, and rain.
One motorist, Gideon Kibicho, took to Twitter to express his frustration, saying, "It started yesterday 6pm. Tumelala pale Gilgil weigh bridge. Hunger, sleep and rain all over. Children are crying because of hunger. A bread is going for 200/. I think it’s high time the government makes Nakuru – Nairobi highway a dual carriage road."
Another motorist, Alinur Mohamed, shared a similar experience, saying, "I feel sorry for Hundreds of motorists who have spent the night at Gilgil on the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway over a huge traffic snarl up. Motorists between Kikopey and the Gilgil weighbridge have literally switched off their engines and gone to sleep. It’s bad!"
Area residents have joined forces with motorists and passengers to clear the debris from the highway, while the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued an advisory to motorists.
KeNHA's Senior Corporate Communications Officer, Clara A. Ouko, urged motorists to cooperate with the police and exercise courtesy as the traffic is being directed to ease flow.
