KeNHA warns of a month-long traffic interruption along Nairobi-Nakuru route

Motorists have been cautioned of upcoming traffic disruptions at the Gitaru Interchange and along the route from the Southern Bypass to the Western Bypass.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) reported on Friday that these diversions are due to the ongoing construction of the Gitaru Interchange's South-Eastern loop.

"The affected period is from Wednesday, August 28, to Sunday, October 1, 2024," reads the notice.

As a result of the construction, KeNHA has provided alternative routes for affected motorists. Vehicles travelling from Nakuru to the Southern Bypass will be diverted at the Regen/Magana Interchange, located three kilometres from Gitaru.

Motorists heading from the Western Bypass to Nairobi via Waiyaki Way should use the slip road at the Kwa Magu underpass, pass through Gitaru Market, and then rejoin the A8 at Rungiri.

In addition, vehicles travelling from Nairobi to Ndenderu will be redirected at Muguku Interchange towards the Western Bypass.

However, the road agency has reassured the public that traffic on certain routes will remain unaffected.

Vehicles travelling from Nakuru/Mai Mahiu to the Western Bypass will not be interrupted.

The announcement of this traffic interruption coincided with a fatal accident at the same interchange, leaving the local community in shock.

On Thursday, a tragic collision occurred at the Gitaru, Kikuyu-Wangige junction involving a bus from Arch Bishop Ezekiel Group of Schools and a trailer.

The bus, hired for a public event, veered off the road and overturned following the crash, resulting in severe damage and multiple fatalities.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with the bus's roof almost destroyed by the impact.

The exact number of casualties is still unconfirmed, and the cause of the accident is under investigation. The condition of any survivors remains unclear, heightening anxiety among the community.

The incident has raised concerns among residents and motorists, particularly as roadworks continue.