PSV operators warn of major delays and fare hikes as a section of the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway is closed today for Presidential launch

Public service vehicle (PSV) operators have warned of major delays and fare increases today following a Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) advisory announcing the closure of sections of the Nakuru–Eldoret highway for a presidential launch.

In a notice posted on X on November 27, Kenha confirmed that the Rironi–Naivasha–Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) Highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha (A8 South) Road would be commissioned at Kwa Mbira in Gilgil and at Mau Summit from 08:00. This announcement is expected to cause widespread disruption along one of the country's busiest travel corridors.

Matatu operators serving the Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret route say the closure will force thousands of vehicles onto alternative roads at the same time, resulting in heavy congestion and longer journey times. Several matatu saccos are preparing to increase fares to offset higher fuel consumption and the cost of navigating longer, poorer quality routes.

Zackary Kemboi, popularly known as Tausi and chairperson of the Ravine Line Sacco, says he has already briefed drivers on the expected challenges.

“We expect some traffic congestion tomorrow, but we have already told our drivers to stay alert, drive carefully and avoid carrying excess passengers,” he says, noting that most of the diversion routes are narrow, single-lane roads that require careful manoeuvring.

Bus fares on the Ravine–Nairobi route will rise due to the detours. “If we were charging Sh800, tomorrow it will be Sh1,000 to and from Nairobi,” Tausi says.

Samuel Gatukui, Mololine Services Operations Manager, echoed these concerns, stating that uncertainty surrounding the event has already caused travel plans to be thrown into disarray. He added that operators may have no choice but to increase fares, depending on whether they are forced to use alternative roads.

"If we use the Suswa route, it adds 26–30 kilometres, and the Thika–Magumu diversion adds 47–50 kilometres," Mr Gatukui explains.

He claims passengers have been inquiring about the situation, with some cancelling their Friday trips altogether and others choosing to travel early to avoid disruption. According to Mr Gatukui poor road conditions on the listed detours will cause further delays and increase fuel consumption and vehicle wear.

“The delay is unavoidable either way, whether we use the normal route or the advised detours. We had hoped for a different approach that would minimise inconvenience, but we now have to adjust and manage the situation as it unfolds," he says.

Despite the expected challenges, matatu operators say they will comply with KeNHA’s advisory, but they are seeking clearer communication on whether the highway will be completely closed or partially restricted during the launch.

Kenha has advised motorists to consider rescheduling their travel or using alternative routes, including the following:  Ngong–Suswa–Narok–Mau Narok–Njoro–Nakuru, Nairobi–Thika–Magumu–Njabini–Ol Kalou–Nakuru, Nakuru–Kampi ya Moto–Ravine–Makutano and Nakuru–Njoro–Molo–Mau Summit road.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the long-awaited upgrade of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway, a key transport artery linking central Kenya to the Rift Valley and western regions.