A major traffic disruption hit Waiyaki Way early Tuesday afternoon after a lorry overturned near the Brookside Drive junction, blocking multiple lanes of the busy city-centre bound carriageway just before the Westlands roundabout at The Mall.
The accident, which occurred shortly after midday, brought traffic to a standstill, causing a massive snarl-up that stretched for several kilometres along one of Nairobi’s most critical transport corridors.
According to eyewitness accounts, the lorry was transporting sacks of chicken feed when it was hit by another speeding truck carrying sand descending toward Westlands.
The impact caused the chicken feed truck to lose control and topple across several lanes, rendering the route impassable.
“The road is completely blocked at the junction. Vehicles are not moving at all towards town,” said a frustrated motorist stuck in the jam.
As of 3:00 p.m., traffic police and emergency responders were still at the scene working to remove the overturned truck and manage traffic flow.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes including Muthangari Drive, Brookside Drive, and Karuna Close to bypass the affected section and reconnect with Waiyaki Way further ahead.
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities have been reported from the incident. However, the condition of the lorry driver remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue.
This is not the first time the Waiyaki Way corridor has been paralyzed by such an incident.
On March 4, 2024, a similar traffic standstill occurred after a lorry ferrying construction workers crashed into a traffic island near the Expressway Exit. The vehicle overturned, injuring several passengers.
Meanwhile, just weeks ago, a deadly crash along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Kiongwani area in Makueni County claimed two lives.
The accident involved a pickup truck carrying avocados and a fuel tanker, leaving three others seriously injured.
These incidents have reignited public concern over road safety standards, the condition of heavy commercial vehicles, and the enforcement of speed limits particularly on downhill stretches that lead into urban centres.
Authorities are urging drivers of heavy trucks to exercise extra caution, especially during peak hours, and have called for stricter enforcement of vehicle inspections and driver training requirements.
Motorists are advised to remain patient as efforts to clear the Waiyaki Way scene continue and to monitor real-time traffic updates before setting out.
Fire Destroys Dormitory At Bishop Ndingi High School, Leaving 150 Students Stranded
