Major Section of Nairobi Southern Bypass to Close This Sunday

The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a public notice regarding the temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass. This planned disruption will affect the stretch between the Ole Sereni Interchange and the Langata Road Interchange on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

According to a statement signed by Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, the closure will commence at 6.00 am and is expected to remain in effect until 1.00 pm. The suspension of traffic on this critical artery is necessary to allow for the 2026 Nairobi Marathon to proceed safely.

This event is one of the city's premier sporting fixtures, often drawing thousands of participants and spectators to the capital. Given the scale of the race, KeNHA has emphasized the need for a controlled environment, which requires clear lanes for the runners.

Motorists who typically rely on the Southern Bypass to navigate between the city’s eastern and western corridors will need to adjust their travel plans. The authority has recommended specific alternatives to mitigate the expected congestion on surrounding roads.

Drivers are advised to use the Mombasa Road (A8) Highway from the Ole Sereni Interchange to access the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout. From this point, they can connect to Langata Road. This detour is expected to carry the bulk of diverted traffic throughout the Sunday morning period.

The authority has requested that the public cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals who will be stationed at key points to manage the flow of vehicles. These marshals will be responsible for ensuring that the transition between open and closed sections remains orderly.

KeNHA officials noted that the closure is limited to the specified seven-hour window. This timing is intended to minimize the impact on weekend commerce and logistics while still providing a sufficient buffer for the completion of the marathon.

Standard traffic operations on the Southern Bypass are expected to resume immediately after 1.00 pm once the course has been cleared of participants and equipment. Until then, the interchange at Langata Road will serve as the primary cutoff point for those traveling from the west.

The Southern Bypass is a vital piece of Kenya's infrastructure, designed to divert heavy transit traffic away from the Nairobi Central Business District. While temporary closures for such events are common, they require significant coordination between transport authorities and event organizers.

For those requiring further clarification or assistance during the closure period, KeNHA has provided several contact channels. Inquiries can be directed via email to their complaints desk or through their toll-free and customer care telephone lines.

Information regarding the closure has been disseminated across various digital platforms, including the authority's official website and social media handles. Travelers are encouraged to check for real-time updates before beginning their journeys on Sunday morning.

The 2026 Nairobi Marathon continues a tradition of utilizing the city’s high-capacity road network to host international-standard athletic competitions. Such events often highlight the intersection of urban infrastructure and community sports in the region.