The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) released a safety advisory on 11 November urging drivers on the Rironi‑Mau Summit Highway to exercise caution as construction continues along the busy Nairobi‑Nakuru route.

Motorists are asked to ensure their vehicles are well‑maintained, with functional brakes and indicator lights, obey traffic rules and stay alert around active construction zones.

The advisory coincides with a surge of travellers heading upcountry for Christmas and New Year, a period that traditionally sees heavy traffic on the corridor as drivers move toward Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and neighbouring countries.

Past holiday periods have seen severe congestion on the highway, with some motorists spending several hours or even overnight in traffic while competing for limited road space.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir inspected the works and noted that contractors have laid the first tarmac layer at Lari, marking progress on the expansion.

Construction will still be ongoing on other stretches of the 233‑kilometre project, including sections towards Gilgil, Nakuru and Mau Summit, meaning drivers will continue to encounter construction zones and diversions.

More than 1,000 pieces of heavy machinery have been deployed along the corridor to accelerate works, and motorists are advised to stay vigilant around equipment, diversions and changing traffic arrangements.

The advisory aligns with the National Transport and Safety Authority’s “Msimu Bila Ajali, Usalama Barabarani” campaign, which will intensify day‑and‑night inspections targeting speeding, drunk driving, overloading and vehicle compliance.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed officers to step up enforcement against drunkenness, dangerous driving, speeding, overloading and the use of unroadworthy vehicles and motorcycles during the final weeks of the year.