Traffic Flow Restored at Globe Roundabout Following Completion of Bridge Works

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the full restoration of traffic at the Globe Roundabout, a critical junction connecting the Nairobi central business district to the Thika Superhighway. The reopening on Wednesday follows a 13-day closure that began on March 12, 2026, to facilitate essential reinstatement works at the Nairobi River Bridge.

In a public notice, KeNHA Director General, Eng. Luka Kimeli confirmed that the section is once again accessible to the public. The authority noted that the repairs were vital to protecting the structural integrity of the bridge, which serves as a primary artery for thousands of vehicles entering the city center daily.

The closure originally carried a projected completion date of March 19, but the technical requirements of the site led to an extension into a second week. During this period, the suspension of movement between the CBD, Kipande Road, and the A2 corridor caused significant shifts in local traffic patterns.

The intervention was prompted by damage sustained during heavy rainfall earlier in the month. Floodwaters had compromised the upstream gabion protection of the bridge, leaving parts of the infrastructure vulnerable. Engineers worked to stabilize the foundations and restore the surrounding embankments to ensure long-term safety for road users.

While the works were underway, the authority implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. Motorists traveling from Thika were redirected through the Globe Overpass, while those heading toward University Way were moved to Prof. Wangari Maathai Road. Traffic from Kipande Road was forced to use Limuru Road via Fig Tree to reconnect with the city’s road network.

The disruption was felt acutely by the public transport sector. Many matatus plying the Thika Road route were forced to terminate trips at Fig Tree, requiring commuters to walk the remaining distance into the CBD. Other operators utilized alternative entries through the Kamukunji area to avoid the bottleneck at the construction site.

The locals and business owners around the roundabout, including car wash operators who were previously relocated to allow for the works, have monitored the progress closely. The site is also linked to the broader Nairobi River Regeneration Program, which seeks to protect riparian land and improve urban infrastructure along the river’s path.

KeNHA expressed gratitude to the public for their patience during the transition. Although the roundabout is now fully open, the authority has advised drivers to remain cautious and follow instructions from traffic marshals as final minor inspections continue along the corridor.

The restoration of this link is expected to immediately ease the heavy congestion witnessed on Ring Road and other diversionary routes over the last fortnight. As one of the busiest junctions in the capital, the return to normalcy at Globe Roundabout marks the conclusion of a significant emergency repair phase for Nairobi’s highway network.