Traffic returns as city recovers from protest chaos

Kenya National Highways Authority clearing stones left on Thika road opposite garden city after Gen Z demonstrations. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Motorists in Nairobi faced heavy traffic on Thursday morning, as the capital recovered from the aftermath of nationwide protests and the usual weekday rush.

Congestion was reported on several key roads.

On Thika Road, traffic built up from Ruiru as Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) crews cleared barricades left behind by demonstrators yesterday.

The flow improved past Allsops up to Muthaiga Square, but a snarl-up resumed heading into the central business district via Murang’a Road and Wangari Maathai Road.

Jogoo Road also saw a significant snarl-up heading toward Landhies Road, a lingering effect of the previous day’s police barricades that blocked protesters from accessing the city center.

Outbound traffic, however, remained smooth.

Along Magadi Road, congestion steadily built up toward Lang’ata Road in the early hours of Thursday, while the Southern Bypass remained clear with no reported delays.

Traffic on Ngong Road and Mombasa Road flowed smoothly after protest debris was cleared overnight.

On the Eastern Bypass, traffic was heavy near the North Airport Road junction.

Movement from Mbagathi, Utawala, and Rongai areas has been smooth, markedly calmer than the chaos reported in Rongai last evening.

Outer Ring Road experienced relatively light traffic, with vehicles moving steadily across most sections.