Motorists Stuck for Over 8 Hours Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway as Accident Causes Major Traffic Snarl

Motorists spent the night stuck in traffic along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway after a late-night accident at Kapiti Plains blocked both lanes, causing a massive buildup that stretched for several kilometers.

By Friday morning, traffic had remained heavy for more than eight hours, with congestion reported from Malili to Machakos Junction near Konza and from Athi River past Machakos Junction along the A109.

In a video from the scene, a man described the extent of the congestion, saying some travelers had spent the night stuck on the highway as police officers moved through the affected sections.

“This traffic jam starts from the junction all the way to Konza and extends to the DC. It has been like this from 2 a.m. until now. Look at how badly congested it is. You talk about the Malaba traffic jam, but this one is even worse than Malaba. People have spent the night here stuck in traffic. Police officers have come to find out what the problem is,” he said.

Two Trailers Collide at Kapiti Plains

Traffic disruption followed a collision involving two trailers travelling in opposite directions on Thursday evening.

The impact left the two vehicles blocking both lanes, severely restricting movement along one of Kenya’s busiest highways and causing traffic to build up far beyond the accident scene.

By Friday morning, motorists approaching Kapiti and Konza were still facing lengthy delays as vehicles struggled to move through the affected stretch.

Also Read: Moja Expressway Announces 40-Hour Traffic Diversion for CBD-Bound Motorists

Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) said overlapping had further worsened the situation as motorists attempted to navigate through the congestion.

“After last night’s accident, traffic has now stretched from Malili to Machakos junction and from Athi River past Machakos junction along A109,” LoDDCA said.

Motorists Warned of Further Delays

Police officers were reported to have visited different points along the affected section as efforts continued to manage the congestion.

At the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement on injuries or fatalities arising from the crash. Footage from the scene showed one of the trailers badly damaged following the collision.

Motorists travelling from Nairobi towards Mombasa through Kapiti and Konza were advised to exercise caution and allow extra time for their journeys.

The traffic situation comes as motorists along the wider Mombasa Road corridor also contend with ongoing road works.

Also Read: KeNHA Announces 36-Day Mombasa Road Closure on JKIA Route

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) partially closed the Eastern Bypass off-ramp at Cabanas on the JKIA-bound side on September 17, with the closure expected to run until October 22 to facilitate construction works.

The closure has affected traffic movement around the Cabanas section, with motorists joining Mombasa Road from the Eastern Bypass directed to use a designated diversion lane during the works.

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Vehicles stuck in traffic along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway following a Thursday night accident at Kapiti Plains. PHOTO/ Kenyans.co.ke