KeNHA Shuts Southern Bypass Section After Grisly Accident

The Kenya National Highways Authority moved quickly on Friday to close a key stretch of the Nairobi Southern Bypass after an accident disrupted traffic flow. The closure affects vehicles heading towards Ole Sereni. Officials cited safety concerns as the immediate priority.

The affected section runs between the Thogoto and Dagoretti interchanges, close to Karinde. KeNHA posted a formal notice early in the afternoon detailing the decision. Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene to handle the aftermath and restore normal operations.

Motorists already in the area reported slow movement well before the official announcement. The agency urged drivers to choose alternative routes and build extra time into their journeys. Traffic delays were described as significant along the corridor.

The Southern Bypass serves as a critical artery for traffic moving around the western side of Nairobi. Completed in phases over the past decade, the road was designed to reduce pressure on older routes like Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way. Its elevated sections and interchanges handle heavy volumes of commercial and private vehicles daily.

KeNHA's notice was direct. "The Nairobi Southern Bypass (Ole Sereni-bound), between Thogoto and Dagoretti Interchanges near Karinde, has been temporarily closed following a road traffic accident earlier this morning," it stated. A second line warned of expected delays and asked for patience.

No details on the number of vehicles involved or casualties were released in the initial statement. Clearance work continued as the notice went out. Similar temporary closures have occurred in the past after incidents on this route.

The bypass has seen routine maintenance in recent months. Friday's closure comes at a time when Nairobi's road network remains under strain from growing vehicle numbers.

The Southern Bypass was built partly with Chinese funding and opened in stages to ease congestion around the capital. Its dual carriageways and modern design represented a major upgrade when sections entered service. Yet incidents still occur, often involving heavy trucks on the longer descents.

Local drivers expressed frustration over the sudden disruption. Many rely on the bypass to connect industrial areas, residential estates, and the airport corridor. Alternative routes through Dagoretti or Karen quickly become congested when the main road shuts.

KeNHA has not yet given a reopening timeline. Officials indicated the closure would last only as long as necessary for safe clearance and any required surface checks. Updates are expected through the agency's usual channels and traffic radio alerts.

This incident underscores the vulnerability of major infrastructure to single events. As responders work through the afternoon, many in Nairobi will adjust plans around the blockage.