KeNHA Announces Traffic Disruption at Globe Roundabout

The Kenya National Highways Authority has partially closed a section of the Thika Superhighway at Globe Roundabout in Nairobi. The measure, which started on Thursday, March 12, 2026, runs through Thursday, March 19, 2026.

KeNHA described the closure as necessary to carry out reinstatement works at the Nairobi River bridge, which sits close to the roundabout. In its public notice, the authority stated: “The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to inform the public that the Thika Superhighway shall be partially closed at the Globe Roundabout to enable the reinstatement works at the Nairobi River bridge.”

Motorists have already encountered heavy traffic along Thika Road in the hours following the start of the closure. The works involve technical reinstatement of the bridge structure, though specific details on the nature of the repairs remain limited in official statements.

To manage the disruption, KeNHA outlined several alternative routes. Drivers heading from Thika toward the Nairobi Central Business District should use the Globe Overpass rather than entering the roundabout directly. Those aiming for University Way from Thika are directed to Professor Wangari Maathai Road.

Further diversions apply to other movements. Motorists traveling from Thika toward Kirinyaga Road and the OTC area need to take Ring Road Ngara to reach the city centre. From Kipande Road bound for the CBD, the route shifts to Limuru Road at the Fig Tree junction, then joins Professor Wangari Maathai Road. Anyone planning a U-turn at Globe Roundabout from University Way or the CBD must use the Guru Nanak U-Turn instead.

KeNHA indicated that additional temporary measures, including lane adjustments and further diversions, could come into effect as the works advance. The authority urged drivers to stay cautious near the site, follow the traffic management plan, and cooperate with police and traffic marshals deployed along the affected sections.

The seven-day window aligns with standard practice for targeted bridge reinstatement on busy urban corridors. Thika Superhighway remains one of Nairobi's most congested arteries, linking the northern suburbs and satellite towns to the central business district. Any interruption at key junctions like Globe Roundabout tends to ripple quickly through surrounding roads.

Reports from motorists confirm queues building in the area soon after the closure began. KeNHA asked road users to plan trips in advance and adhere to the designated paths to ease congestion. Traffic officers and marshals are on site to direct flow and respond to emerging issues.

The Nairobi River bridge has seen periodic attention in recent years as part of broader efforts to maintain structural integrity on major crossings in the city. This latest intervention focuses on reinstatement, a term typically covering restoration of damaged or degraded elements to original or improved condition.

No extension beyond March 19 appears planned at this stage, though completion depends on progress and conditions at the site. KeNHA has not released details on potential cost or contractor involvement.

The closure highlights ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure maintenance with minimal disruption on Nairobi's high-volume routes. Drivers should monitor updates from KeNHA or traffic authorities over the coming week.