KeNHA issues traffic advisory ahead of next week’s World Rally Championship in Naivasha

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Safari Rally event scheduled from March 12 to 15, next week, providing motorists with alternative routes to ease the anticipated congestion on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

Eng Luka Kimeli, Director General of KeNHA, through a traffic update from the authority’s social media, says the authority has mapped out the alternative routes to cushion motorists from the expected heavy traffic that traditionally accompanies the annual rally event.

Motorists have four options to choose from. One is the scenic Route, which runs through Nairobi – Rironi – Flyover (Magumu) – Njambini – Ol Kalou – Dundori – Lanet. The second option, the Adventure Route, takes motorists through Nairobi – Rironi – Naivasha – Engineer – Olkalou – Dundori – Lanet and eventually Nakuru town,” he says through the update.

The available routes include the Thika Trail — running through Nairobi – Thika – Magumu – Ol Kalou – Dundori – Lanet and the Suswa Shortcut via Nairobi – Ngong – Suswa – Narok – Nakuru, a southern corridor he opines will significantly decongest the main highway.

The authority warns against illegal parking by heavy commercial vehicles along the highway.

“Any truck driver found parking at undesignated locations as violations of the said directive will lead to immediate arrest,” he notes.

The county will play host to the third round of the 2026 World Rally Championship as the iconic event makes its return to Kenya, with Naivasha taking center stage for four consecutive days.

Unlike previous editions, the rally will be held entirely in Naivasha, meaning all the action, from start to finish, stays in one place. With large crowds expected to descend on the town over the four days, traffic along the key routes is likely to build up significantly.

Travelers and motorists are advised to plan their travel well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.