The roar of rally cars, the dust rising from the rugged terrain and the surge of thousands of fans heading to the Rift Valley once again transformed the journey between Nairobi and Naivasha into a familiar scene of long traffic queues and slow-moving vehicles.
As spectators streamed out of the capital to witness one of Kenya’s most celebrated motorsport spectacles, the annual migration of rally enthusiasts brought with it both excitement and frustration.
For years, the Nairobi – Naivasha highway has become a temporary parking lot whenever the iconic motorsport event takes place.
Motorists, rally fans, and transport operators have often had to contend with hours of gridlock as vehicles flood the route toward Naivasha, the heart of the action.
But this year, amid the excitement surrounding the event, the government signalled that a major shift could be on the horizon for motorists who make the journey during the rally season.
Speaking during the rally festivities, William Ruto said the current situation on the busy corridor would soon become a thing of the past.
According to the president, the government is undertaking significant infrastructure interventions aimed at easing congestion along the route.
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Ruto indicated that ongoing and planned road expansion projects would transform the Nairobi–Naivasha corridor into a modern transport network capable of handling large traffic volumes, even during major national events.
He explained that the government is prioritising infrastructure development to support tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
The president said that once the planned works are completed, motorists heading to Naivasha for future editions of the rally should expect a smoother and faster journey.
He expressed confidence that improved road capacity will eliminate the long traffic jams that have become synonymous with the event.
The annual Safari Rally Kenya draws thousands of local and international fans who travel to witness the thrilling competition across the rough terrains of the Rift Valley.
The rally, part of the global World Rally Championship calendar, has grown into one of the country’s biggest tourism attractions since its return to the championship in 2021.
The event also provides a major economic boost to towns such as Naivasha, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses experiencing a surge in visitors.
However, the rapid growth in attendance has put pressure on transport infrastructure, particularly the Nairobi–Naivasha highway, which serves as the primary route to the rally stages.
Government officials say improving the corridor will not only benefit rally fans but also enhance daily transport for traders, commuters, and tourists who rely on the route throughout the year.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a global motorsport destination, authorities believe that modern infrastructure will play a key role in sustaining the success and popularity of the rally.
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