Several major roads in Nairobi will close for 14 hours on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during the Grand Nairobi Race.
According to a road closure announcement by the race organizers, the affected routes will be closed from 12 am to 2 pm on Sunday.
“Road closure announcement. Sunday 27th September | 12 am – 2 pm,” the announcement captured.
Roads to Be Closed For Grand Nairobi Race
The Southern Bypass will be among the main roads affected by the closures, with sections of the route forming part of the race course.
A section of Ngong Road at the Lenana Interchange will also be closed, with the Grand Nairobi Race route including a designated U-turn at the interchange.
The Uhuru Gardens-Carnivore stretch will also be affected during the 14-hour closure period.
The organizers have advised motorists to take note of the closures as participants use the designated routes for the various races.
Race Route and Events
According to the race announcement, Uhuru Gardens will serve as the start and finish point for the races.
The Grand Nairobi Race will cover 77.8 kilometers over two loops, while the Black Mamba and paracycling races will cover 39 kilometers in a single loop.
The Family Fun Ride and Under-14 race will cover 20 kilometers, with participants turning off at the NHC Southern Bypass.
Other route markers indicated by the organizers include the Ngong Road at Lenana Interchange U-turn, NHC U-turn, and ICD U-turn along the designated course.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
Motorists traveling from Mombasa Road towards Kikuyu or Waiyaki Way can use the Northern Bypass via Gitaru or Ruiru.
Alternatively, they can pass through Nairobi CBD before connecting to Waiyaki Way, depending on traffic conditions.
Drivers traveling between Ngong Road and the Southern Bypass can use Ngong Road, Karen, Hardy, Magadi Road and Mbagathi Way to reach Lang’ata or Mombasa Road while avoiding the Lenana Interchange.
Those traveling from Karen to Nairobi CBD can use Ngong Road through Adams Arcade and Valley Road.
Another option is Lang’ata Road to Uhuru Highway, while avoiding the Uhuru Gardens-Carnivore section.
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Motorists from Lang’ata to the CBD can use Mbagathi Way, Argwings Kodhek Road and then Kenyatta Avenue or Haile Selassie Avenue.
Drivers coming from Kiserian or Ngong towards Nairobi CBD can use Ngong Road through Ngong Town, Karen and Adams Arcade.
Magadi Road via Mbagathi Way provides another option, while motorists can avoid joining the Southern Bypass.
Travelers heading from JKIA to Westlands or Kikuyu can use Mombasa Road through the CBD before connecting to Waiyaki Way. Another option is the Northern Bypass via Ruiru, which avoids the Southern Bypass.
About the Grand Nairobi Race
The Grand Nairobi Bike Race (GNBR) launched in 2019 as a cycling event that brings together riders of different ages and skill levels. It has since grown into an annual cycling festival associated with the Jubilee Live Free Race.
Organized by Grand Nairobi Race in partnership with Jubilee Insurance, the race promotes cycling as part of health, wellness, sustainable mobility and community engagement.
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Over the years, participation has expanded beyond Kenya, attracting riders from countries including Uganda, Ethiopia and the United States, with cyclists from more than 20 countries taking part.
More than 3,500 cyclists participated in the 2025 edition, which offered KSh4 million in prize money.
Held at Nyayo National Stadium on October 5, 2025, the event featured a 7.5-kilometer circuit that was completed five times for a total distance of 37.5 kilometers.
For the 2026 edition, organizers expect participation to increase to more than 5,500 cyclists.
Several categories are scheduled for this year’s event, including the Main Race, Team Race, Para-Cycling, Black Mamba, Family Fun Ride and Kiddies Race.
Prize money for the 2026 edition remains at KSh4 million, according to information released for the event.
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