Major Highways & Driving Tips in Nairobi, Kenya
1. Mombasa Road
A major highway connecting Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa. Traffic congestion can be a challenge during peak hours.
- Traffic Patterns: Knowing when to travel can help avoid heavy traffic.
- Toll Gates: Be prepared for toll fees at certain points along the road.
- Rest Areas: Plan stops for refreshment and rest at designated areas.
2. Thika Superhighway
A six-lane highway connecting Nairobi to Thika town, easing traffic from the city centre. Potholes and erratic drivers can be issues.
- Road Condition: Stay alert for unexpected potholes.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to ensure safety.
- Roadside Assistance: Know the locations of roadside assistance services in case of vehicle trouble.
3. Ngong Road
A busy route connecting Nairobi's central business district with the Ngong hills. Pedestrians and matatus (mini-buses) can cause traffic issues.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings.
- Public Transport: Anticipate delays due to matatus' unpredictable schedules.
- Alternative Routes: Familiarize yourself with alternative routes for smoother travel.
4. Jogoo Road
A busy route connecting Nairobi's eastlands and city centre. Construction and street vendors can obstruct view and cause traffic.
- Roadworks: Stay updated on road construction schedules to avoid delays.
- Vendors on the Road: Be aware of street vendors and their merchandise, which can obstruct your view.
- Public Transport: Plan for delays due to matatus' unpredictable schedules.
5. Kikuyu Road
A major route connecting Nairobi's westlands and the surrounding towns. Livestock on the road can cause delays.
- Livestock: Be cautious when encountering livestock on the road.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to ensure safety, especially in residential areas.
- Restaurants: Take advantage of roadside restaurants for refreshments and rest during long trips.
6. Kilimani Moi Avenue
A bustling route connecting Nairobi's Kilimani and the city centre. Construction and one-way systems can cause confusion.
- Roadworks: Stay updated on road construction schedules to avoid delays.
- One-way Systems: Familiarize yourself with one-way streets to navigate effectively.
- Parking: Find suitable and legal parking spots in the city centre.
7. Uhuru Highway
A major road passing through Nairobi's central business district. Heavy traffic and pedestrian crossings can cause delays.
- Traffic Congestion: Plan your journey during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings.
- Public Transport: Anticipate delays due to matatus' unpredictable schedules.
8. Karen Road
A scenic route connecting Nairobi's southern suburbs with the city centre. Wildlife and potholes can be encountered.
- Wildlife: Be cautious when encountering wildlife, particularly monkeys.
- Road Condition: Stay alert for unexpected potholes.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nairobi's southern suburbs.
9. Langata Road
A busy route connecting Nairobi's south and city centre. Construction and street vendors can cause traffic and visibility issues.
- Roadworks: Stay updated on road construction schedules to avoid delays.
- Vendors on the Road: Be aware of street vendors and their merchandise, which can obstruct your view.
- Alternative Routes: Familiarize yourself with alternative routes for smoother travel.
10. Ruiru Road
A highway connecting Nairobi to Ruiru town and the eastern suburbs. Potholes and erratic drivers can be issues.
- Road Condition: Stay alert for unexpected potholes.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to ensure safety.
- Rest Areas: Plan stops for refreshment and rest at designated areas.
11. Waiyaki Way
A major road connecting Nairobi's westlands with the city centre. Construction and pedestrians can cause traffic.
- Roadworks: Stay updated on road construction schedules to avoid delays.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings.
- Public Transport: Anticipate delays due to matatus' unpredictable schedules.
12. Kangundo Road
A highway connecting Nairobi with the eastern town of Kangundo. Livestock and speeding vehicles can cause hazards.
- Livestock: Be cautious when encountering livestock on the road.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to ensure safety, especially in residential areas.
- Rest Areas: Take advantage of roadside restaurants for refreshments and rest during long trips.
13. Kikuyu-Kiserian Road
A highway connecting Nairobi's westlands with the town of Kiserian. Construction and erratic drivers can be issues.
- Roadworks: Stay updated on road construction schedules to avoid delays.
- Speed Limits: Observe speed limits to ensure safety, especially in residential areas.
- Rest Areas: Plan stops for refreshment and rest at designated areas.
14. Limuru Road
A highway connecting Nairobi's northwestern suburbs with the town of Limuru. Livestock and potholes can be encountered.
- Livestock: Be cautious when encountering livestock on the road.
- Road Condition: Stay alert for unexpected potholes.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nairobi's northwestern suburbs.
15. Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
A major highway connecting Nairobi with Nakuru town. Heavy traffic and pedestrians can cause delays.
- Traffic Congestion: Plan your journey during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.
- Pedestrian Crossings: Be cautious when approaching pedestrian crossings.
- Rest Areas: Plan stops for refreshment and rest at designated areas.