Traffic disruptions across major highways are set to become a daily headache for road users over the next 90 days as a colossal boat is transported from Mombasa to Kisumu.
The cargo, which measures 31 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 5.7 metres in height, will create significant delays along the three mapped routes from October 1 to December 30, 2024.
This journey is expected to capture the attention of motorists as it makes its way through towns, causing brief standstills and disruptions. Photos of the cargo, described as “abnormal,” will likely go viral on social media, much like previous similar spectacles in Kenya.
The transport company, TransEast, outlined three potential routes: the preferred route passing through Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kericho, Awasi, Ahero, and Kisumu.
An aerial photo of the wide load trailer carrying a ship to Malaba from Mombasa, February 2024.
Photo
Courtesy
Alternative paths include Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Malaba, or the third option, which navigates through Kisii, Migori, and Isbania, should the first two routes face any challenges.
The boat will move between 6 am and 6 pm, escorted by a special vehicle equipped with alarm strobe lights to warn oncoming motorists.
Road users should brace for considerable delays as the convoy moves. The sheer size of the boat means that electricity cables, flyovers, and underpasses may require interventions, including collaboration with traffic police and Kenya Power to clear the way.
The decision to use a longer route is likely due to these obstacles, which would pose significant challenges along the main highways.
Motorists can expect to encounter the convoy in key towns, where local residents, including bodaboda riders, will undoubtedly flock to take pictures of the rare sight.
This is not the only ‘abnormal’ cargo that will disrupt traffic during this period. Another freight company will also be moving an ‘abnormal’ cargo between October 2 and December 31, 2024.
In a notice, the company stated that the expected route is Mombasa-Voi-Nairobi-Gilgil-Eldoret-Malaba. The cargo measures 30 metres in length, with a width of 4 metres and a height of 4.7 metres.
The boat’s journey is already drawing comparisons to a similar occurrence in February, when a massive vessel travelled from Mombasa to Uganda, causing widespread curiosity and awe.
Construction of Njoro Turnoff Interchange, where the Nakuru – Eldoret road intersects with the Nakuru – Njoro road in 2017.
