NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 — Motorists and public transport passengers experienced delays on several Nairobi roads Tuesday morning as the reopening of schools increased traffic entering the city.
Thika Superhighway was among the most affected corridors, with congestion reported from Ruiru and Githurai towards Kasarani. The slowest movement was observed between KCA University and the Pangani Interchange as school transport, matatus and private vehicles converged on the city.
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Commuters heading towards Nairobi through Kiambu Road also encountered delays around Muthaiga Dip and the approaches to Pangani.
The congestion placed additional pressure on matatu services operating between the city centre and residential areas along the Thika Road corridor. Passengers unfamiliar with the services available along the highway can check the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide before travelling.
CBD transport areas record heavier traffic
Within the Central Business District, traffic built up along Haile Selassie Avenue towards Landhies Road and the Machakos Bus Station area.
Increased movement was also reported around Marikiti, Luthuli Avenue, Latema Road, Tea Room and Nyamakima. These locations contain some of Nairobi’s busiest boarding and dropping points for matatus serving Eastlands, Thika Road and long-distance destinations.
Passengers connecting through the city can use the Nairobi Bus Stations and Matatu Termini guide to identify the appropriate boarding area for their destination.
Congestion was also reported along Jogoo Road, particularly around Makadara and Mbotela, extending towards Shauri Moyo and Nairobi CBD. Utawala recorded higher traffic levels compared with an ordinary morning.
Mombasa Road was comparatively clearer than Thika Road, while Waiyaki Way, Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road were also reported to be moving more smoothly during the morning period.
School transport safety comes into focus
The heavier traffic coincided with the reopening of schools for Third Term, bringing school buses and vans back onto major urban and intercounty roads.
The National Transport and Safety Authority recently reminded schools and transport providers to ensure that vehicles carrying learners are roadworthy and compliant with safety requirements.
School vehicles are expected to have valid inspection certificates, insurance, road service licences and functioning speed limiters. Drivers and conductors must also possess valid licences and PSV badges.
The authority has called for particular attention to brakes, tyres, lights and side mirrors while warning school transport operators against exceeding the permitted passenger capacity.
Learners should remain seated and use seat belts where they are fitted. They should not be allowed to extend their heads, hands or other parts of the body outside a moving vehicle.
Parents using public transport to accompany learners should allow additional travelling time this week because traffic patterns may remain heavier as schools settle into the new term.
Traffic conditions can change rapidly. Commuters should confirm the situation on their specific corridor before departing and follow directions issued by traffic officers.
