The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has temporarily closed the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Mombasa Road Bound) following an incident involving two oil tankers that resulted in a fire outbreak.
In a statement issued on January 24, 2026, KeNHA said one of the fuel tankers fell from the Southern Bypass onto the lower road and burst into flames, posing a significant fire and explosion risk.
The closure was effected to allow emergency responders to contain the situation and ensure public safety.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public of a serious traffic incident involving two oil tankers along the Southern Bypass (Mombasa Road bound), which has resulted in a fire outbreak,” read part of the statement.
The authority stated that fire and emergency teams, alongside traffic police, were deployed to the scene and have secured the area as containment and safety operations continue.
KeNHA Closes Nairobi Southern Bypass After Oil Tanker Fire
KeNHA warned that traffic disruption is expected to persist until the incident is fully brought under control.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the Southern Bypass until further notice and to use Lang’ata Road as an alternative route when accessing Mombasa Road.
Road users were also urged to expect delays on surrounding roads and to strictly follow directions issued by traffic police and emergency responders.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Traffic Disruption Notice
Members of the public have been cautioned against approaching the scene, with KeNHA noting that fuel-related fires pose extreme danger.
Residents and motorists in the vicinity were advised to remain alert to smoke, restricted movement, and ongoing emergency operations.
KeNHA, has apologized for any inconvenience caused and assured the public that efforts are underway to restore safety and normal traffic flow, with further updates to be issued as the situation develops.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Advisory Ahead of Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway Launch
How the Incident Happened
The incident occurred under a bridge along the Nairobi Southern Bypass following a collision that triggered a fire and explosion.
Witnesses said several road users, including bodaboda riders, rushed to the scene and attempted to scoop spilled fuel from the tanker moments after the accident.
Nairobi police commander George Seda said additional emergency responders had been deployed to the area to contain the situation and manage crowd control.
In a separate update, the Kenya Red Cross reported that the accident involved a lorry and a fuel tanker near Ram Residency, resulting in an explosion.
The organization confirmed that the highway was temporarily closed, advising motorists to use alternative routes as emergency operations continued.
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