Motorists Demand Better Road Planning as Holiday Traffic Chokes Major Highways

Motorists across Kenya are calling for urgent improvements in road planning as heavy traffic congestion worsens on major highways during the festive season. 

The Motorists Association of Kenya says poor planning and delayed infrastructure expansion have left thousands of road users stranded for hours.

The association has singled out the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway as one of the most affected routes. 

Motorists have reported severe delays at Mai Mahiu, Gilgil, Salgaa and Kikopey, where traffic volumes have surged while road construction is still ongoing.

According to the lobby group, the congestion is not a new problem but a result of years of inaction by road authorities. 

In statements shared on X on Monday, December 22, 2025, the Motorists Association accused the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) of failing to plan ahead despite steady growth in the number of vehicles on Kenyan roads.

The association argued that data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics has consistently shown an increase in vehicle registrations, yet road expansion along the busy corridor has not kept pace.

“Vehicle numbers have been rising every year, but nothing meaningful was done to expand the Rironi–Mau Summit road. Authorities watched the traffic grow and ignored the problem,” the group said.

The motorists further demanded accountability from officials who have overseen road planning over the past two decades. 

They called for sanctions against officers they say have failed to act, insisting that taxpayers deserve better use of public funds.

The association proposed that the highway be expanded gradually, section by section, using public financing rather than relying on private concessions. 

They warned that continued delays would only worsen congestion and increase the cost of travel for ordinary Kenyans.

Another major concern raised is the government’s plan to introduce toll charges on the upgraded Rironi–Mau Summit road under a public-private partnership arrangement. 

Motorists argue that tolling would amount to double taxation since they already pay fuel levies meant to fund road construction and maintenance.

“Roads are public infrastructure and should be funded through the exchequer. If tolls are introduced, then the fuel levy should be removed. You cannot charge motorists twice for the same road,” the association stated.

The group also warned that long-term tolling agreements could hand control of a key national highway to foreign companies for decades, limiting public oversight and increasing costs for road users.

The ongoing congestion has disrupted holiday travel for motorists heading to western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley, with many reporting spending several hours in traffic. 

In response, KeNHA has urged drivers to remain patient, observe traffic rules and consider travelling during off-peak hours or using alternative routes where possible.

Construction of the 175-kilometre Rironi–Mau Summit dual carriageway officially began after its launch by President William Ruto in late November 2025. 

The project is expected to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along the Northern Corridor once completed.

However, motorists argue that carrying out major roadworks during the peak festive season without adequate traffic management has only made the situation worse.