Traffic snarl-up has been experienced along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway after a trailer was involved in an accident, causing congestion along the Gategoro stretch into the city centre.

According to Samuel Munyiri, a boda boda operator working at Gategoro stage, the accident occurred at around 9am.

“We were just waiting for clients at the stage when we heard a loud bang on the other side of the road. We saw that the trailer had fallen partially into the water drainage ditch by the roadside,” Mr Munyiri says.

A trailer tipped over on the Nakuru–Nairobi highway at the Gategoro section on July 5, 2025.

Eliud Maina, another boda boda operator, says it looked as if the driver had lost control when approaching the steep slope, causing him to veer into the ditch.

"From what I saw, the driver was trying to slow down as he approached the steep slope under the railway crossing, but he lost control and ended up in the ditch. Fortunately, no one was injured,” Mr Maina says.

The driver of the trailer appeared to be in shock as he came to terms with what had happened; he had no visible injuries.

A trailer tipped over on the Nakuru–Nairobi highway at the Gategoro section on July 5, 2025.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

According to locals, the open drainage system on the side of the highway continues to pose a threat to motorists using the busy Nakuru–Nairobi highway.

“This is not the first time we have had an accident like this here, and now we have seen a pattern. If the relevant authorities could find a way to seal the top part of the drainage system on both sides of the road, it would be very helpful,” says a local resident who requested anonymity.

A trailer tipped over on the Nakuru–Nairobi highway at the Gategoro section on July 5, 2025.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Another individual noted that the other end of the road lacks clear markings, which makes it challenging for road users, especially at night, as they cannot see where the road ends and the drainage begins.

"I also think the best thing would be to cover the top part of these drains, because even when it rains, boda boda riders use this road with their customers, and there is a high risk of them falling into the drain and being carried away by the rainwater flowing through it," he notes.

If you're looking to avoid traffic, your best bet would be to use the road in Section 58 as you enter the city centre.

Traffic snarl-up along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway after trailer plunges into a ditch

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Bret Sanya