Heavy traffic on Thika Road as Nairobi residents head to the villages [Video]

Tony Mukere

March 17, 2020 10:30 AM

Here is what you need to know before traveling upcountry

A file image of heavy outbound traffic along Thika Road

There was heavy outbound traffic along the Thika Superhighway on Tuesday morning as a section of city residents opted to flee the city as a way to prevent the coronavirus epidemic and its ripple effects.

On a normal morning, Thika Road is characterized by heavy inbound traffic as most of the commuters head to work in Nairobi CBD and its environs.

However, on Tuesday, the traffic to Nairobi was significantly reduced while the traffic towards Thika and other Mt Kenya upcountry areas was similar to what is witnessed during the Christmas period and on general elections.

Many of those who traveled were in fear of a shortage of provisions in the city and its environs as most people have opted to quarantine themselves as a prevention strategy against coronavirus.

There were also commuters who opted to stay in the villages which have not recorded any cases as the current numbers have been registered in the greater Nairobi metropolis.

The traffic also included parents who were traveling to pick their children from boarding schools which have until Wednesday to close down.

President Uhuru Kenyatta had on Sunday directed closure of learning institutions and encouraged employers to have a work-from home arrangement as a prevention strategy. A number of companies, including the Pulse media group, have implemented the home office strategy until the coronavirus is contained.

It is advisable, however, that those traveling upcountry take measures to protect their loved ones from contracting the virus.

Experts advise a 14-day self quarantine after which the travelers can have interactions with village folk.

It is also recommended that travelers use basic hygiene techniques including washing their hands before getting into the matatus, avoiding hand contact with the face, and ensuring their free flow of air in the public vehicles.

Further, those who may experience symptoms of the virus should seek immediate help from the health authorities while at the same time maintaining a social distance with the rest of the population.

To date, Kenya has confirmed 3 cases of the coronavirus while 14 others suspected cases have been isolated awaiting results.

Here is a VIDEO of the migration, courtesy of Charles Wahinya:

Tony Mukere