The association argued that the timing of the construction is insensitive to the thousands of travellers moving across the country for the festive season.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, December 20, 2025, the association described the disruptions as “deliberate” and accused KeNHA of prioritising infrastructure projects over commuter convenience. 

They highlighted congestion at key points including Mai Mahiu, Gilgil, Salgaa, and Kikopey, claiming that the traffic build-up appears artificially engineered to justify tolling public highways in collaboration with profit-seeking private interests.

“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 Motorists Association said in the statement. 

“The congestion witnessed at several points along the highway is not accidental; it is engineered to create a false impression of traffic pressure and support arguments for tolling.”

The holiday season saw heavy traffic along major highways, with many motorists reporting delays of several hours. 

While the construction work aims to widen roads, improve safety, and enhance infrastructure, commuters argued that better planning could have minimised the disruptions. 

Motorists voiced frustration over the lack of prior communication, especially in areas where crews were actively working on road expansion and safety improvements.

KeNHA defended the project, citing the presidential directive on modernising infrastructure around the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

The authority explained that the work along James Gichuru Road junction to the A8/B10 Highway aims to improve the area’s aesthetic appeal, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance safety standards. 

According to KeNHA, once completed, the project will strengthen Kenya’s gateway to the world and create a modern transport corridor suitable for national and regional traffic.

Despite acknowledging the long-term benefits, the Motorists Association urged KeNHA to reconsider the timing of construction activities. They emphasised the need for careful scheduling during peak travel periods to reduce congestion and limit the impact on holiday commuters. 

They also recommended improved public communication, including timely traffic advisories and real-time updates, to allow motorists to plan their journeys more effectively.

The association warned that if the disruptions continued without corrective action, public trust in KeNHA could be undermined. 

They stressed that infrastructure projects, while essential, must be balanced with the immediate needs of the public, particularly during periods of high travel. 

The statement highlighted the tension between the long-term goals of road modernisation and the day-to-day convenience of motorists who rely on timely travel during festive periods.

This latest criticism comes amid a series of complaints over roadworks, closures, and traffic management along Kenya’s major highways. 

Motorists have frequently cited delays, lack of warning signs, and poor coordination between construction crews and traffic authorities as major issues affecting holiday travel.