The Ministry of Interior has advised motorists to plan their travel carefully as traffic volumes rise during the festive season, particularly on major highways linking Nairobi to the Central, Western, and Nyanza regions.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, the ministry urged motorists to prepare in advance and remain flexible while traveling, noting that congestion is expected on key routes due to increased movement of vehicles.
“Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, adjust travel schedules while en route, and make use of alternative routes where necessary to avoid congestion,” the statement read.
The ministry further highlighted specific alternative routes for motorists heading to Western Kenya, Nyanza, and the Central region, saying these options are intended to provide safer and smoother travel.
“In particular, travelers from Nairobi to the Western and Nyanza regions are encouraged to use the Nairobi-Suswa-Narok route as an alternative to the Mai Mahiu escarpment. Heading through the Central region via Nairobi-Nyeri-Nyahururu-Nakuru route can also facilitate smoother and safer travel,” the statement added.
At the same time, the ministry announced a raft of security measures aimed at safeguarding Kenyans and visitors during the festive season.
In the same statement, the ministry said the overall security situation remains stable, but cautioned that the festive period has historically been associated with isolated security incidents and traffic.
It noted that while the country remains generally secure, past experiences show the need for proactive measures to address emerging risks.
“As the country enters the festive season, we recognize this period as one marked by increased travel, heightened activity in various social places, and a surge in both domestic and international tourism.
“The overall security situation across the country remains calm and stable, but based on past trends, we are aware that this period may see isolated increases in security incidents, traffic violations, and other opportunistic criminal activities,” the statement read.
To respond to these risks, the government said it has activated a high-level coordination mechanism bringing together multiple security and enforcement agencies.
“The National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) has been activated to coordinate surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response before, during, and after the festive season. The Centre is manned by officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and National government Administration,” the statement added.
The ministry explained that additional personnel have been deployed nationwide to enhance visibility and response capacity.
It further stated that officers on leave have resumed duty and security teams positioned at key locations across the country.
“Officers deployed to provide enhanced security coverage and presence across the country have been drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service,National Youth Service and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
“All officers previously on leave have resumed duty and the teams have been stationed at all entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic locations such as hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, Central Business Districts, critical infrastructure installations, places of worship, and entertainment joints,” the statement continued.
On road safety, the government said a nationwide operation has been rolled out to manage traffic and reduce accidents during the busy travel period.
The operation, the ministry said, will also address corruption and improve coordination among enforcement agencies.
“The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the Traffic Police Department, has launched a nationwide traffic operation to facilitate traffic flow and enhance road safety on major highways and urban roads.
“In line with the resolutions of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ, the operation includes deployment of EACC officers to monitor enforcement and deter corruption, multi-agency coordination and information-sharing for unified traffic law enforcement, and prioritization of joint enforcement and visibility, especially in high-risk corridors,” the statement further read.
On terrorism and violent extremism, the ministry said regional and county security structures have stepped up preparedness and surveillance.
“Regional and County Security Committees have reinforced counter-terrorism preparedness and are actively implementing Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) County Action Plans. The teams have intensified surveillance and operations, with particular focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and large public gatherings,” the statement noted.
The government also announced a nationwide operation targeting illicit brews and drugs, which it said pose a major threat to public safety.
“A nationwide crackdown, led by NACADA, has been launched targeting the trade and abuse of illicit brews and drugs. In collaboration with NGAOs and police officers, the Authority will sustain the operation targeting to cut the production, sale, and consumption of dangerous substances, which remain a major threat to public safety and security,” the statement read.
In addition, security agencies have intensified operations against organised criminal gangs and harmful social practices in several regions.
“Alongside intensified operations against organized criminal gangs operating in Nairobi, the Coast, Western, Nyanza, Central, and Eastern regions, security teams have escalated targeted enforcement measures to address cultural and social crimes, including FGM, defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, and religious extremism,” the statement added.
