The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass to allow for the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
In a public notice, KeNHA said the road section from Ole Sereni Interchange to Kikuyu Town will be closed from midnight on Saturday, October 24, until 2pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
The closure is intended to facilitate the marathon, which is expected to affect traffic movement along the bypass and surrounding roads during the event.
KeNHA has advised motorists travelling between Ole Sereni and Kikuyu to use Mombasa Road (A8) through Uhuru Highway as an alternative route during the closure.
Drivers using the route in the opposite direction have also been advised to follow the same diversion.
The authority urged all road users to observe traffic signs and follow instructions from traffic marshals and police officers deployed to manage traffic during the marathon.
Motorists have also been advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel, particularly those whose journeys normally involve the affected section of the Southern Bypass.
The temporary closure forms part of traffic management arrangements for the annual Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which attracts runners and spectators to the capital and requires coordination between organisers and transport authorities.
The road restrictions are expected to affect motorists connecting to different parts of Nairobi, especially those travelling between the southern side of the city and areas towards Kikuyu.
KeNHA, through its Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, issued the notice to inform the public ahead of the planned closure and encourage road users to make alternative travel arrangements.
The authority has asked motorists to remain alert to directions from traffic officers and comply with the diversions to minimise congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow around the affected routes.
Road users are encouraged to check for further traffic updates before setting off, particularly on Saturday night and Sunday morning, when the closure will be in effect.
The Southern Bypass is expected to reopen at 2pm on Sunday, October 25, after the scheduled closure period ends, subject to traffic management arrangements.
