Nairobi's Eldoret Road to Close for Four Months for Bridge Construction

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has issued a public notice confirming the scheduled closure of a section of Eldoret Road in Nairobi. This disruption is expected to last for a period of four months.

The closure will take effect from 6 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026. According to the state agency, the road will remain inaccessible to motorists until 6 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026.

This move is necessary to allow a contracted firm to begin the construction of a new vehicular bridge. The structure will span across the Nairobi River, replacing or augmenting existing infrastructure to improve local connectivity.

KURA, which is responsible for the management and development of all public roads in cities and municipalities, has advised the public to plan their journeys in advance.

Motorists are urged to use alternative routes as highlighted in the official project sketch. Traffic marshals and police officers will be stationed at key entry points to guide drivers through the diversions.

The Authority has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by these essential works. The bridge project is part of a broader effort to modernize urban mobility within the capital.

Infrastructure developments of this nature often face logistical hurdles, particularly during the rainy season. The Nairobi River, which the bridge will cross, is prone to rising water levels that can impact construction timelines.

The contractor will be required to manage site safety and environmental concerns during the four-month window. This includes ensuring that debris does not further contaminate the river during the excavation and piling phases.

For pedestrians, the project map indicates the presence of a temporary pedestrian bridge. This ensures that residents can still cross the river safely while the main vehicular bridge is under construction.

Nairobi has seen a surge in road-building activities under the current administration. President Ruto has previously emphasized the importance of completing stalled projects and launching new links to ease congestion in the central business district and surrounding suburbs.

The State Department for Roads (SDR) has been working closely with local authorities to ensure that such closures are communicated well in advance.

Residents living in the vicinity of Eldoret Road should expect increased noise levels and dust during the construction period. Traffic flow on adjacent streets is also likely to increase as vehicles seek shortcuts around the work zone.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has maintained that these temporary setbacks are a necessary trade-off for long-term infrastructure stability.

Engineers on-site will be monitoring the progress of the vehicular bridge closely to ensure it meets the September deadline. Any extensions to the closure will depend on the pace of the structural works.

Motorists should keep a close eye on official KURA social media channels for real-time updates on traffic flow and potential changes to the diversion plan.