KeNHA to close Southern Bypass for Nairobi Marathon

Motorists in Nairobi have been advised to plan their journeys following the announcement of a temporary closure of a section of the Nairobi Southern Bypass.

In a public notice, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the affected stretch between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang'ata Road Interchange will be closed on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

According to the authority, the closure will take effect from 6 am to 1 pm to pave way for the 2026 Nairobi Marathon.

"The Nairobi Southern Bypass between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang’ata Road Interchange will be temporarily closed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm,” KeNHA said.

The authority explained that the move is aimed at ensuring safety and smooth organisation of the marathon event, which is expected to attract participants and spectators from across the country.

“This road closure is to facilitate the 2026 Nairobi Marathon event to take place,” KeNHA stated in the notice.

Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes during the closure period. Specifically, KeNHA advised drivers to divert to Mombasa Road (A8) from Ole Sereni Interchange to the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout to access Lang’ata Road.

“Motorists are therefore advised to use Mombasa Road (A8) Highway from Ole Sereni Interchange to the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout to access Lang’ata Road,” the notice added.

KeNHA also called on road users to cooperate with authorities on the ground, including police officers and traffic marshals, to minimise inconvenience and ensure public safety.

The temporary closure is expected to affect traffic flow on one of the city’s key bypasses, particularly for motorists heading towards Lang’ata and surrounding areas.

However, such measures are common during major public events in the capital, with authorities often prioritising safety and crowd management.

The Nairobi Marathon is among the notable sporting events in the city’s calendar, attracting both professional and amateur runners, and often necessitating traffic adjustments along key routes.

Motorists are encouraged to factor in the changes, allow extra travel time, and follow traffic updates issued by relevant authorities to avoid delays.