Traffic Gridlock After Multi-Vehicle Crash Blocks Mai Mahiu Escarpment Road

Heavy traffic disrupted movement along the busy Mai Mahiu Escarpment Road on Tuesday, August 4, after a multi-vehicle crash involving two trucks and a private car completely blocked both lanes.

Witnesses said the collision occurred at a sharp bend along the highway. Images and videos from the scene showed the two trucks extensively damaged, with one overturning onto a Toyota Premio after the impact.

Several occupants were reportedly trapped inside the wreckage as members of the public rushed to rescue them before emergency responders arrived. By the time of publication, authorities had not confirmed whether there were any fatalities or injuries.

One of the trucks, which was transporting sand and construction materials, sustained severe damage to its cabin. It remains unclear what caused the collision or whether the truck was descending the escarpment when the crash occurred.

The accident brought traffic to a standstill on the key Nairobi–Naivasha transport corridor, prompting motorists to seek alternative routes.

Private motorists travelling to Naivasha have been advised to use the Nairobi–Kinangop–Naivasha route via Limuru, Kimende and Njabini, while those heading to Narok can consider the Suswa–Ewaso Kedong–Ngong Road. Long-distance travellers to western Kenya and the North Rift may also use the Nyeri–Nyahururu–Nakuru corridor or the Thika–Magumu–Njabini–Ol Kalou–Dundori–Lanet route.

Authorities were yet to issue an official statement as rescue operations and traffic management continued.