A massive traffic gridlock has paralyzed movement along the busy Mombasa–Nairobi Highway, leaving thousands of motorists stranded for over 24 hours between Mariakani and Mazeras.
The snarl-up, which began on Friday evening, July 4, 2025, has affected long-distance trucks, fuel tankers, buses, and public service vehicles (PSVs) heading both to and from the port city of Mombasa.
There were kilometres-long queues of stationary vehicles stretching across the crucial trade corridor. Travelers have reported spending the night in their vehicles, with little to no movement by Saturday morning.
Cause of the Gridlock
While official authorities have not issued a public statement as of Saturday evening, multiple drivers and logistics operators have pointed to congestion at the Mariakani Weighbridge as a major contributor to the crisis.
Located 36 kilometers northwest of Mombasa, the weighbridge is a key checkpoint for enforcing axle load limits for trucks exiting the Port of Mombasa. Delays at this point are not uncommon but appear to have worsened significantly over the last 24 hours.
Disrupted Transport and Logistics
The standstill has had a domino effect on supply chains and long-distance travel, impacting deliveries of fuel, perishable goods, and critical cargo bound for upcountry Kenya and regional neighbours such as Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Motorists are being advised to consider alternative routes to avoid the Mariakani-Mazeras corridor. Recommended diversions include:
- Mazeras–Kaloleni–Mariakani Road
- Mombasa–Mavueni–Mariakani Road
- Mombasa–Miritini–Rabai–Kaloleni–Mariakani Road
Ongoing Road Works Add to Delays
The gridlock also comes at a time when the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is undertaking a major rehabilitation of the Kwa Jomvu–Mariakani section of the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
The 30-kilometre upgrade project, which started in July 2023, involves converting the current two-way carriageway into a four-lane dual carriageway with climbing lanes, service roads, and improved intersections.
In its latest update, KeNHA revealed that the project is currently 24.85% complete, with 18.5 kilometres of road still under construction. The target for completion is July 2026.
Public Reaction and Calls for a Long-Term Fix
As the situation drags on, there is growing public pressure for the government to fast-track highway expansion and invest in an expressway between Nairobi and Mombasa, modeled after the Nairobi Expressway.
Stakeholders in the transport and logistics sectors have raised concerns about economic losses and operational delays arising from persistent congestion, especially in key economic arteries.
More updates are expected from KeNHA and traffic police as the situation unfolds.
