If you were on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway last night, you weren’t just “in traffic”—you were part of a survival story. On Friday, February 27, 2026, a combination of intense weekend rain, a trailer breakdown, and the usual bottleneck at the Gilgil weighbridge created a 15-hour standstill that forced hundreds of travelers to sleep in their cars.
As of Saturday, February 28, the backlog is slowly clearing, but the risk of “secondary snarl-ups” remains high. Here is how to navigate the current mess and avoid getting caught in the next one.
The 3 Best Bypass Routes (KeNHA Approved)
When Gilgil locks up, your best bet is to get off the A8 (Nairobi-Nakuru Highway) as early as possible. Here are your 2026 alternatives:
The “Highland Bypass” (Best for Saloon Cars):
Route: Rironi – Flyover (Magumu) – Njabini – Ol Kalou – Dundori – Lanet.
Why: This route adds about 40km to your journey but bypasses the entire Naivasha-Gilgil corridor. Warning: Watch out for heavy fog in the Njabini section.
The “Naivasha Pivot” (Best for SUVs/Crossovers):
Route: Naivasha Town – Gilgil – Ol Kalou – Dundori – Lanet.
Why: If you are already past Naivasha, this allows you to loop around the weighbridge.
The “Southern Route” (Best for Heavy Trucks/Buses):
Route: Nairobi – Mai Mahiu – Narok – Bomet – Kericho – Nakuru.
Why: It’s a much longer drive, but it avoids the “Gilgil Bottle-neck” entirely. Perfect for long-distance transporters who cannot risk a 15-hour delay.
Survival Kit: What to Keep in Your Car in 2026
The “Gilgil Trap” can happen at any time. If you’re traveling the A8, never leave without these five essentials:
A “Warmth Pack”: The Gilgil-Mbaruk stretch is notoriously cold at night. Keep a heavy blanket and a jacket in the trunk.
Power Bank: In 2026, your phone is your lifeline for traffic updates and emergency calls. Don’t rely solely on your car’s battery.
Hydration & Energy: High-protein snacks (nuts, jerky) and at least 3 liters of water per person.
The “Offline” Map: Download the Google Maps area for Nakuru/Naivasha for offline use, as signal strength can drop during heavy rain or congestion.
Basic First Aid: Including any essential prescription medications.
The Golden Rule: Stop the Overlap
While the rains and the breakdown started the trouble, Gilgil Base Commander Hussein confirmed that “lane indiscipline” turned a 2-hour delay into a 15-hour nightmare.
“When you overlap, you block the path for recovery vehicles and police motorbikes. You aren’t getting ahead; you are locking the door behind you.”
Current Status (Feb 28, 11:30 AM)
Traffic is now moving, but it is “stop-and-go” between Gilgil and Kikopey. Ena Coach and other major carriers are still reporting significant delays in parcel and passenger arrivals.
