It's the season of travel, shopping sprees, but not for everyone...

Heavy traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway as Kenyans travel for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police were strategically positioned to deter drivers from overlapping, a practice that worsens congestion on this busy road. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

There was a beehive of activity across towns and cities as Kenyans made a last-minute rush to reunite with their families for Christmas celebrations.

Many people, despite the high cost of living and strained finances, told The Standard they were determined to make sacrifices for the sake of their loved ones.

The Nakuru-Nairobi highway saw a significant surge in traffic as people journeyed to their rural homes to celebrate the festive season with their families. Traffic police officers were stationed at intervals along the route to ensure smooth flow and prevent the kind of overlapping that often leads to congestion.

Kevin Simiyu, who left Nairobi around 10am after a delay in boarding vehicles to Bungoma, expressed relief at the clear road ahead.

“I never expected the road to be clear; I knew it would be hectic, but I’m relieved that I will make it home on time,” Simiyu said.

Simiyu, who had been working in Mombasa for a year, was eager to reunite with his family and friends for the festivities.

“The traffic flow on the highway has been remarkably smooth, thanks to the diligent efforts of the traffic police officers, which have ensured that motorists remain disciplined,” said Denis Kipngetich, another passenger. Despite the increased volume of vehicles, Kipngetich noted that incidents of congestion and delays were minimal.

“The flow of traffic is a relief. I travelled from Nairobi expecting huge delays, but I’ve seen police officers in place, and it’s clear that Kenyans can follow the rules, which is a positive sign,” he added.

Nakuru County Police Commander Michael Mwaura said traffic officers had been strategically stationed in areas known for obstruction and overlapping to ensure smooth movement.

“To strengthen security, we have deployed officers at key points such as Barnabas, Naivasha, Gilgil weighbridge, Nakuru Roundabout, and Nakuru town centre to avoid overlapping,” he said. Mwaura also issued a stern warning to motorists against drink-driving, stating that anyone found under the influence of alcohol would be tested and arrested.

In Kisumu, many residents shared plans to celebrate Christmas with their families in the rural areas. However, others expressed their inability to travel due to the tough economic times.

“I had planned to travel home for Christmas, but I’ve decided to celebrate in Kisumu,” said Ouko Owino.

Michael Owino, who had just arrived in Kisumu from Nairobi with his family, was eager to head to Homa Bay. “I’m hoping to connect with my family in Homa Bay and celebrate together. It’s been a tough year, but we hope to end it on a positive note,” he said.

At the Kisumu bus park, passengers scrambled for the few available vehicles. Travel costs had increased significantly, with fares from Kisumu to Migori and Homa Bay soaring from Sh600 to Sh1,000.

Migori town was bustling with Christmas shoppers, but some residents shared their struggles with The Standard, saying they would not be celebrating Christmas.

“There’s nothing like Christmas to me. Things are hard,” said Veronica Adhiambo, a trader in Migori town. Many residents decried the high cost of living, with some saying they were struggling to make ends meet.

Robert Odiedo, another resident, lamented, “I don’t see how I’ll celebrate Christmas. If I do, I will struggle to take my children back to school next year.” He added that civil servants’ salaries had been delayed, and he would have to hold on to whatever little he had for next term’s school fees.

James Ojung’a, a conductor at the Migori bus park, said fewer people were travelling compared to previous Christmases.

In Kericho, Mercy Cheptoo, a hawker at Londiani Road Junction, plans to spend the festive season by the roadside, taking advantage of the increased traffic to boost her sales. “January is coming, and I have to make every shilling I can. This is the season when travellers along the Nakuru-Londiani-Kisumu road stop to buy groceries, and I need to make every sale count,” she said.

Rev Allan Kiombe of Jesus Centre Ministries said his Christmas would be dedicated to ministering to churchgoers. “That’s the true meaning of Christmas—remembering the birth of Jesus,” he said.

Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot said he would continue his tradition of celebrating Christmas with orphans at Londiani’s Bethel Children’s Home. “My family and friends usually donate foodstuff and other Christmas goodies, and this year will be no different,” he said.

Report by Yvonne Chepkwony, Nikko Tanui, Anne Atieno and Harold Odhiambo