Travellers crowd Machakos Country Bus Station on December 23, 2025 amid limited vehicles, heavy traffic and rising Christmas fares.
With only a day to Christmas—the country’s most anticipated celebration—cities, highways and marketplaces erupted on Tuesday into a familiar frenzy of last-minute travel and shopping.
From early morning, long queues formed at bus termini in Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu as families scrambled for seats to rural homes, hoping to beat rising fares and traffic jams. Matatu operators reported near-full bookings, with some routes charging premium prices as demand peaked.
Major highways out of the capital, including the Nairobi–Nakuru, Thika Superhighway and Mombasa Road corridors, experienced heavy traffic. Police were deployed at key points to manage congestion and enforce road safety, though motorists impatiently snaked through bottlenecks in a race against time.
Transport operators said the rush was likely to continue late into the night, with many travellers opting for overnight journeys to arrive home in time for Christmas Day.
Traders, shoppers, motorists and motorcycle operators crowd the streets of Eastleigh, Nairobi, on December 23, 2025, as last-minute Christmas shopping triggers severe traffic congestion and packed walkways.
A surge in bookings for the Madaraka Express between Nairobi and Mombasa was reported earlier this week, as Kenya Railways announced the return of the Kisumu train to meet high commuter demand.
“An additional Madaraka Express passenger service will operate daily from 8 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, offering more flexibility for holiday travel,” Kenya Railways said, citing increased demand on the Mombasa route.
Local airlines also reported full bookings ahead of the festivities, with economy-class tickets scarce and remaining seats costly. Meanwhile, some Kenyans opted to stay in the cities, citing high fares and financial pressures.
Shopping centres and open-air markets were equally overwhelmed. Supermarkets recorded long queues as shoppers stocked up on food, drinks and household supplies, while stalls selling clothes, toys and gifts did brisk business despite complaints of high prices.
Traders said many shoppers were cutting back, buying essentials over luxury items as the high cost of living bites.
Yet the season’s urgency kept money flowing, with buyers determined to preserve some Christmas cheer. Despite strained finances, many told Daily Nation they were making sacrifices for their loved ones. Since early last week, Nakuru City streets have been flooded with hawkers, delighting buyers but frustrating some shop owners.
“We are hard-pressed by the high cost of living, but we must make our loved ones happy. I have been working at a construction site and saved for Christmas and New Year, at least to ensure my children and wife enjoy the festivities,” said Dominic Ombati, a casual labourer.
In the final push to complete holiday shopping, supermarkets, malls and other outlets were jam-packed as residents rushed to beat last-minute panic buying and secure food and gifts.
A Daily Nation spot-check found some commodity prices, especially foodstuffs, reduced to attract shoppers, while others rose slightly as traders capitalised on the festive season.
Mr Vincent Chepkwony expressed surprise at the crowds, noting many had postponed Christmas shopping until the last minute. “Supermarkets are super crowded. I thought people had shopped enough by last weekend,” he said.
Daniel Otieno, a supermarket attendant, said staff were working long hours to manage the surge. “This week, we open around 6am and run past midnight. It’s been stressful, but we work in shifts. There’s been a lot of rush,” he said.
The shopping frenzy extended to Narok, Bomet and Kericho, where long queues were also reported. Some parents were even spotted buying school supplies ahead of the January reopening.
Stranded travellers camp at Machakos Country Bus Station in Nairobi on December 23, 2025, with some waiting for more than four hours after booking to travel to various upcountry destinations .
“Schools reopen on January 6. I’m shopping now to avoid the Christmas and New Year rush,” said parent John Simeka.
Meanwhile, Nakuru’s matatu termini were crowded with travellers heading upcountry. Operators hiked fares, yet passengers queued undeterred. Lines formed as early as 5.30am at Smartline Travellers and Prestige Safari Shuttle. Fares to Kisii and Nyamira ranged from Sh800 to Sh1,000, up from Sh500, while Kisumu-bound passengers paid Sh1,300–1,500.
“I haven’t seen a matatu to Bungoma since 5.30am, but I will wait. Personal vehicles charge more,” said Ann Wekesa. The Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret highway faced massive traffic jams into Tuesday night. Police and NTSA officers were deployed to curb reckless driving.
In Nairobi, Smartline reported a surge in demand since mid-December. “Most customers are urban dwellers travelling home to celebrate with their rural family,” said driver Joseph Mwangi.
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan urged motorists to observe traffic rules. “More officers have been deployed, but motorists must exercise extra vigilance. Every life on our roads counts,” he said.
Security patrols have been intensified across the region, including hotels in Naivasha, Nakuru City and the Maasai Mara. Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr Abdi Hassan assured tourists that security had been strengthened across all 14 counties.
Hotels in Naivasha reported up to 96 per cent occupancy, while those in Nakuru City were 80 to 90 per cent booked. At the Coast, popular spots such as Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach and Mama Ngina Waterfront saw increased visitor traffic.
Hoilidaymakers at the Nyali Beach Hotel in Mombasa ahead of Christams and New Year festivities.
Markets in Mombasa were crowded with last-minute shoppers, though commuters faced higher transport fares due to fewer matatus amid an NTSA-led crackdown. NTSA board chair Khatib Mwashetani said the hikes reflected supply and demand and urged passengers to report rogue operators.
Tourist numbers also rose in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties, with hotel occupancy above 80 per cent. Lamu County Tourism Executive Aisha Miraj said additional flights and new PSV routes had boosted arrivals.
“We are well prepared,” she said, adding that hoteliers were offering cultural experiences, adventure activities, and family entertainment to enhance the festive season.
In Kajiado, butcheries reported brisk business even as livestock prices soared. At Ilbisil livestock market, a healthy mature bull sold for Sh150,000–180,000, while emaciated animals fetched below Sh40,000. Goat and sheep prices ranged between Sh2,000 and Sh12,000, depending on size.
Ilbisil slaughterhouse-cum-livestock market chairman James Ole Nkapapa said prices are expected to rise further toward Christmas and into January if the drought worsens. He added that livestock from neighbouring Tanzania has reduced.
A spot check in Kitengela on Saturday showed beef selling at Sh530 per kilogram wholesale and up to Sh750 retail. High-end resorts charge Sh1,000–1,500 per cooked kilogram.
Mutton now retails at Sh1,000, up from Sh850 two months ago. John Kimani said the price increases have been passed on to consumers.
“The usual stream of meat customers during festive seasons is gone. Price increases have been passed on, though most customers order meat based on their budget rather than weight,” said Kimani.
Passengers await clearance at the Standard Gauge Railway Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau on December 23, 2025 .
Harun Mwangi, 36, who has run an alternative meat business in Kitengela since 2007, said customer numbers usually rise towards Christmas. He noted that the wholesale price of a goat head from Kitengela Slaughterhouse has risen by Sh50 to Sh250 per head, compared with Sh200 a month ago, due to limited animal supply.
“Days before Christmas last year, I sold 50–60 goat heads and dozens of hooves daily. Currently, I sell at least 90 heads and dozens of hooves daily. Pop-up customers have increased tenfold,” he said.
Western Kenya has also seen a surge of travellers reuniting with families. However, the period remains hectic, marked by heavy traffic, fare hikes, rising security concerns, crowded destinations, and numerous events.
Lake Victoria Tourism Association Chairman Robinson Anyal said the region offers much for both local and international tourists.
Hotels are receiving bookings for family events, birthdays, corporate end-of-year parties, weddings, team-building activities, chama gatherings, and holidays.
“Domestic tourist visits to lodges, resorts, town hotels and attraction sites have increased due to positive developments by the private and government sectors,” he said. Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa said regional security teams have partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service to enhance tourism security.
Kisumu County Matatu Owners Association Chairman Charles Oguyo warned that transport fares may rise due to increased demand.
“A transport hike is normal in business. When supply is low and demand high, prices rise. I urge members not to overcharge clients. Kenyans are already going through hard times,” he said.
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Additional reporting by Valentine Obara, Stanley Ngotho, Angeline Ochieng
