The Motorists Association of Kenya has criticised the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) over ongoing roadworks that have caused congestion along key holiday routes.

In a statement issued on X on Saturday, December 20, 2025, the association accused the authority of being insensitive to the thousands of travellers during the festive season and warned that the disruptions were deliberate.

“Scheduling and timing road works when thousands of Kenyans are travelling for the holidays is callous, insensitive, and directly contradicts KeNHA’s stated mandate of providing seamless connectivity. The congestion witnessed at Mai Mahiu, Gilgil, Salgaa, and Kikopey is not accidental; it is artificial and engineered to falsely ‘prove’ congestion and justify the push for tolling public highways by profit-seeking privateers,” the Motorists Association said in a statement.

The statement comes amid heavy traffic build-ups along several key highways as Kenyans travel home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with family. Motorists complained of long delays, especially in areas where construction crews were working to widen roads and improve safety.

KeNHA on road repairs

“Arising from the presidential directive on the modernisation of infrastructure around the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the KeNHA has initiated a transformative infrastructure project aimed at strengthening Kenya’s gateway to the world. The initiative seeks to enhance the beautification and landscaping of the James Gichuru Road junction to JKIA (A8/B10) Highway, a critical national and regional transport Corridor. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve the area’s aesthetic appeal, promote environmental sustainability, and upgrade infrastructure and safety standards within the region,” the association noted

Despite acknowledging the long-term benefits of the project, the Motorists Association urged KeNHA to reconsider the timing of construction activities, especially during peak travel periods. They called for better planning and communication with the public to prevent avoidable delays and reduce the impact on commuters.

The association warned that unless corrective measures are taken, continued holiday congestion could damage public trust and complicate efforts to modernise Kenya’s road network. They urged authorities to prioritise seamless connectivity while delivering essential infrastructure improvements.
This criticism highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and the immediate needs of commuters, with motorists demanding more consideration for the public during critical travel seasons.