- The authority had earlier advised motorists to exercise caution while approaching the area where police had been dispatched to disperse protesters.
- They were reportedly protesting to demonstrate their anger over multiple incidents of rape and murders involving young children.
Image: KeNHA/X
Normal traffic flow has been restored on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway where protesting locals had caused disruption earlier in the day.
In an update Wednesday evening, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the road had been cleared around the Soko Mjinga area, the epicentre of the chaos.
"KeNHA wishes all travellers a safe journey," KeNHA said.
The authority had earlier advised motorists to exercise caution while approaching the area where police had been dispatched to disperse the protesters.
"Motorists plying this route are advised to exercise caution and observe traffic controls. We highly regret any inconvenience caused."
The local community around the Soko Mjinga area had barricaded the road using tree stumps, blocking inbound and outbound traffic on either side for hours.
Any motorist who attempted to forcefully drive through the blockade would have their vehicle stoned.
They were reportedly protesting to demonstrate their anger over a surge in rape and murder incidents targeting minors.
The residents had jammed the local police station demanding a suspect held in connection to the rape and murder of five children released to them for mob injustice.
Motorists were advised to use the Mai Mahiu route as police reinforcement was called in to restore normalcy.
Kenyans on social media reacted to the incident and advised that KeNHA consider building a dual carriageway to avert such incidents.
"For how long will this road inconvenience Kenyans, build a duo carriageway including Mai Mahiu route as an alternative way to Nakuru," one said.
"Dual this road like Kenol-Maua one and don't toll it, it should be your priority project," added another.
Similar comments came from several other users who said traffic snarl-ups would be a thing of the past if the road is expanded and dualled.
"It's insane for protestors to block roads, mostly major highways, on grievances that are not road-related. This causes snarl-up and disruption of essential services," one other user said.
KeNHA is a State Corporation established under the Kenya Roads Act, of 2007.
The authority is mandated with the designing, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of all trunk roads in Kenya.
National Trunk Roads comprise Classes S, A, and B roads, totalling approximately 18,220km.
Its sister corporation Kenya Rural Roads Authority is mandated with constructing, upgrading, rehabilitating and maintaining rural roads.