KeNHA Outlines Major Road Diversions for Safari Rally Weekend

The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory affecting several major roads, ahead of the Safari Rally Kenya scheduled to run from March 12 to 15, 2026. This move aims to facilitate the smooth flow of both rally traffic and regular commuters, especially along the busy Nairobi to Nakuru corridor.

With thousands of spectators expected to flock to Naivasha and surrounding areas, the authority has identified specific pressure points that could lead to gridlock. Heavy machinery and logistical equipment used by rally teams are already moving into position, increasing the volume of heavy-duty vehicles on the road network.

Engineers at the highway authority have designated alternative routes for motorists who are not attending the sporting event. These diversions are intended to keep the main arteries clear for emergency services and rally-related transport, although regular travelers are advised to plan for longer travel times.

The Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, which serves as a primary link for transit goods to Western Kenya and neighboring countries, is expected to see the highest impact. KeNHA officials noted that the influx of domestic tourists often leads to illegal overlapping, which further complicates traffic management on the two-lane stretches of the road.

To mitigate this, traffic police and KeNHA marshals will be stationed at key intersections to enforce the use of the new diversions. Motorists traveling to western parts of the country are encouraged to use the Flyover-Njabini-Ol Kalou-Lanet route to avoid the expected bottleneck at the Naivasha turn-off.

Furthermore, those moving between Mai Mahiu and Naivasha should expect intermittent closures during the transport of rally cars to different stages. The authority emphasized that compliance with road signs and instructions from traffic officers is mandatory to prevent the total paralysis of movement.

Public service vehicle operators have been cautioned against picking and dropping passengers at non-designated points along the highway, as this practice often triggers tailbacks that can stretch for several kilometers. The authority is also monitoring the structural integrity of temporary bypasses used during this period.

The residents within Nakuru County have been urged to utilize internal service roads where possible. The rally, which is a major fixture in the World Rally Championship calendar, requires high-level coordination between infrastructure managers and security agencies to ensure safety.

KeNHA has also pointed out that certain sections of the road currently undergoing maintenance will have restricted access. Contractors on site have been instructed to clear any unnecessary obstructions to maximize the available carriage-way width during the four-day event.

As the rally kicks off, the authority will provide real-time updates through digital signage and social media platforms. Motorists are advised to check these updates before embarking on their journeys, but the most effective strategy remains early departure or the use of the prescribed alternative paths.