Motorists travelling along Mombasa Road on Friday evening were granted temporary free access to the Nairobi Expressway after heavy rainfall caused serious flooding on one of the city’s busiest highways.
In a public notice issued on Friday evening, Moja Expressway Company announced that the toll road would be opened to all motorists at no cost for a limited period.
The company said drivers would be allowed to use the expressway for free between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
According to the company, the decision was made after the heavy downpour caused flooding along the A8 highway, commonly known as Mombasa Road.
The situation created serious traffic disruptions, leaving many motorists stranded and causing long delays for people trying to travel into or out of the city.
Mombasa Road is one of the most important transport corridors in Nairobi.
The road connects the city centre to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and continues toward the larger highway that links Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa.
Because of its importance, any disruption along the road usually affects thousands of commuters and transport operators.
Following the flooding, several sections of the road experienced slow-moving traffic as vehicles struggled to navigate through waterlogged areas.
Some drivers were forced to look for alternative routes while others waited for the water levels to reduce.
Moja Expressway Company explained that opening the expressway toll-free for two hours was meant to help ease the pressure on Mombasa Road and allow motorists to move more quickly across the city.
Many drivers welcomed the move, saying it helped reduce congestion and allowed them to reach their destinations faster despite the difficult weather conditions.
