Thika Road Closure Sparks Traffic Chaos, Raising Concerns Over Communication and Planning

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) suddenly closed Thika Road on Sunday, April 6, 2025, leaving motorists stuck in severe traffic. The closure affected a key section of the Thika Superhighway near Ruiru to facilitate road works, including removing speed bumps at Kihunguro.

For hours, hundreds of motorists used alternative routes, such as the Membley Estate exit. This caused heavy traffic as vehicles heading to Thika Town shared routes with those connecting to the Eastern Bypass. Many drivers and commuters expressed frustration since KeNHA had not issued any advance notice.

Some residents welcomed the removal of speed bumps, calling them a nuisance that led to reckless pedestrian crossings and traffic jams during rush hours. However, motorists raised concerns about the timing and lack of planning for this move. Many questioned why there was no coordination, especially on such a vital highway.

The situation worsened because another traffic snarl-up had occurred in the same area the previous evening. Thika Road has long been notorious for accidents caused by reckless driving and speeding. While the removal of speed bumps aims to ease traffic flow, it has raised fears of increased overspeeding and traffic rule violations.

KeNHA’s actions highlight the difficulty of balancing infrastructure improvements with effective communication and traffic management. The agency’s last announcement about Thika Road closures was in February 2025, during maintenance at Juja Highpoint.

By Grace Githinji