Karen, Ngong roads to close for Oloolua Forest Run on Saturday

Motorists using key roads around Karen, Ngong and Oloolua areas will face temporary disruption on Saturday as the Kenya Rural Roads Authority announced a road closure to facilitate the Oloolua Forest Run 2026.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, KeRRA said Forest Line Road, Ngong Road at Embulbul Junction, Tamfeed-Gataka Junction and the stretch up to the SGR bridge on Olkeri Road will be temporarily closed from 6 am to 11 am.

The authority said the closure is meant to support traffic management and ensure the safety of participants during the annual run.

“The Kenya Rural Roads Authority wishes to notify the public that there will be a temporary road closure along Forest Line Road, Ngong Road at Embulbul Junction, Tamfeed-Gataka Junction, and up to the SGR bridge on Olkeri Road on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 6.00 am to 11.00 am to facilitate traffic management during the run,” the notice reads.

Motorists and residents have been advised to plan their travel in advance and use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience during the five-hour closure.

KeRRA recommended the Cooperative-Gataka-Olkeri road from Magadi Road as one of the alternative routes, alongside the Matasia-Ngong-Karen route.

The authority apologised for any inconvenience and called for public cooperation to ensure the success of the event.

“We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s cooperation in supporting a safe and successful event,” KeRRA said.

The Oloolua Forest Run has grown into one of the notable community fitness and conservation events in Nairobi, attracting runners, families, corporate teams and environmental conservation groups.

Held annually around the Oloolua Forest area, the event combines physical fitness with environmental awareness, with participants running through routes that highlight the importance of protecting forest ecosystems and green spaces within urban settings.

Oloolua Forest, located near Karen and Ngong, is one of Nairobi’s key green lungs and is known for its indigenous trees, caves, waterfalls and nature trails.

Conservationists have often used such events to create awareness on the need to protect the forest from encroachment, pollution and illegal logging.

The run also serves as a fundraising and awareness platform for environmental initiatives, tree-planting drives and local conservation programmes aimed at preserving biodiversity in the area.

In previous editions, the event has drawn hundreds of participants from across Nairobi and neighbouring counties, with organisers using the opportunity to promote healthy living while encouraging residents to take an active role in protecting public forests.

Saturday’s edition is expected to attract a similar turnout, with organisers urging participants to observe safety guidelines and arrive early due to the traffic restrictions.

Residents living near the affected roads have also been asked to factor in the temporary closure when planning errands, work commutes and other weekend activities.

With Nairobi increasingly hosting fitness and conservation-themed public events, the Oloolua Forest Run continues to stand out as a blend of sport, community engagement and environmental advocacy.