Traffic Alert - Salgaa Roadworks Trigger Heavy Congestion on Nakuru-Eldoret Highway

Motorists using the Nakuru-Eldoret highway are facing prolonged travel times following the commencement of road repair works at the Salgaa section. The maintenance activities, which involve addressing surface wear and structural integrity on this critical transport artery, have resulted in a significant bottleneck for vehicles traveling between Nakuru and Western Kenya.

The congestion comes at a peak period for the transport sector as thousands of travelers head upcountry for the December holidays. Long-distance buses and heavy commercial vehicles have been particularly affected, with traffic stretching back several kilometers from the primary work sites. Local traffic marshals and police have been deployed to the area to manage vehicle flow, though the volume of traffic continues to exceed the capacity of the restricted lanes.

Government infrastructure agencies have previously prioritized the Salgaa to Mau Summit stretch for safety improvements, including the construction of a dual carriageway and emergency runaway truck ramps. While substantial portions of the widening project were completed in recent years to curb accidents, ongoing routine maintenance remains necessary to handle the high axle loads common on this international transit corridor.

Transport operators have reported delays of several hours, impacting the turnaround times for logistical firms and public service vehicles. Drivers are advised to exercise patience and follow the directions of onsite personnel as crews work to complete the essential repairs. The timing of the works has drawn attention to the balance between maintaining vital road assets and ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods during the busiest month of the Kenyan calendar.