Motorists in Nairobi should brace for major traffic disruptions starting Saturday night, July 5, 2025, as the city gears up to host the much-anticipated Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, July 6.
Motorists in Nairobi should brace for major traffic disruptions starting Saturday night, July 5, 2025, as the city gears up to host the much-anticipated Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, July 6.
To facilitate the smooth running of the marathon, several major roads in and around Nairobi’s central business district and key entry/exit corridors will be temporarily closed, affecting travel plans for both private and commercial vehicles.
ROAD CLOSURES: WHAT TO EXPECT
The road shutdowns will begin Saturday at 10:00 PM and will continue throughout Sunday at varying intervals. Nairobi City County and traffic police have advised all road users to plan their routes in advance and consider alternative travel options.
Here’s a full breakdown of the roads affected:
🚧 NAIROBI EXPRESSWAY
- Closed in both directions
- From James Gichuru to JKIA
- Closure period: Saturday 10:00 PM to Sunday 3:00 PM
🛣️ WAIYAKI WAY (Inner Lanes)
- Section: Musa Gitau Road to Nairobi Expressway entrance
- Closed from 12:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Sunday
🚦 MOMBASA ROAD & SOUTHERN BYPASS
- Affected Area: Likoni Road crossing and adjoining roundabouts
- Closed from 12:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Sunday
- Includes all entry/exit points into Nairobi CBD from these sections
🚧 UHURU HIGHWAY
- Section 1: Southern Bypass to Lang’ata Roundabout
- Section 2: Bunyala Roundabout to Kenyatta Avenue
- Closed from 12:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday
🏨 KENYATTA AVENUE
- Section: PanAfric Hotel to Uhuru Highway
- Closed from 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT & PUBLIC SAFETY
City authorities and law enforcement officers will be deployed across all affected zones to:
- Assist with rerouting of traffic
- Ensure minimal inconvenience to motorists
- Provide support to marathon participants and emergency responders
Motorists are strongly advised to follow traffic diversions, respect all road signage, and exercise extra caution when driving near marathon routes.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Nairobi City Marathon is more than a race — it’s a celebration of health, unity, and national pride. As the event attracts both local and international athletes, the temporary road closures are vital to ensure safety, smooth coordination, and an uninterrupted race experience.
