Motorists using Nairobi’s Northern Bypass have been advised to expect traffic disruptions on Sunday, July 26, after sections of the busy highway will be temporarily closed.
The sections of the busy Northern Bypass highway will be temporarily closed to pave the way for the USIU-Africa Half Marathon.
The temporary closure will affect the stretch between USIU-Africa Gates C and D and Two Rivers Mall along the Northern Bypass from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In a traffic advisory, the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) said the closure is intended to ensure the safety of runners, motorists and other road users during the annual event.
The university urged motorists to plan their journeys, use alternative routes where possible and allow extra travel time, warning that traffic flow will be affected during the six-hour exercise.
“USIU-Africa will host its Half Marathon on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 6.30 am to 12.00 pm. There will be a temporary road closure from USIU-Africa Gates C & D to Two Rivers Mall along the Northern Bypass route during this time. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and plan,” the notice reads.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we host this community event in support of education.”
Nairobi Northern Bypass to Close for Six Hours on Sunday for USIU-Africa Half Marathon
According to the advisory, the affected route includes the section from USIU-Africa Gates C and D through Mirema Overpass, 2nd Thome Avenue, Kigwa Road and Kiambu Road, extending to the Two Rivers Mall area.
Traffic marshals will be stationed at key junctions to direct motorists, while diversions will be put in place to ease movement during the race.
Motorists travelling to residential estates, shopping centres and businesses along the Northern Bypass, Kiambu Road, Mirema, Thome, Ruaka and the Two Rivers area have been advised to leave early or use alternative routes until the race concludes at midday.
“If you’re planning to travel through these areas, we request that you plan your journey in advance, use alternative routes where possible, or allow extra travel time,” the university added.
Normal traffic is expected to resume after the marathon ends and organizers reopen the affected section of the road.
The 20.2-kilometre Nairobi Northern Bypass links Ruaka on Limuru Road to Ruiru on Thika Superhighway, passing through Kiambu Road, Thome and Kahawa West. It is one of the main transport corridors connecting Nairobi and Kiambu counties and serves thousands of motorists daily.
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Details of the USIU-Africa Half Marathon
The USIU-Africa Half Marathon is one of the university’s flagship annual events, bringing together students, staff, professional athletes and members of the public to support education initiatives.
The marathon will take place along the Northern Bypass, with all races starting from USIU-Africa Gate C. Participants will compete in the 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre race, 10-kilometre CEO and Corporate Challenge, and the 5-kilometre fun run, with staggered start times beginning at 6:30 a.m. and the final race flagging off at 8:30 a.m.
The event has attracted elite athletes, corporate teams, students, staff, alumni and recreational runners. Organisers have also included categories for persons with disabilities, children and senior citizens, making the race open to participants of different ages and abilities.
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Competitors in the 21-kilometre race will battle for the top cash prize of KSh150,000 for both the men’s and women’s winners. The second and third-placed finishers will receive KSh80,000 and KSh70,000, respectively. The same prize structure will apply to the men’s and women’s winners in the 21-kilometre persons with disabilities category.
Beyond the main race, participants stand to receive a range of awards, including shopping vouchers, bicycles, hotel and dinner vouchers, USIU merchandise and surprise hampers for the first 500 finishers in selected race categories.
The event will also recognize schools and companies with the highest participation and fundraising contributions, as well as the youngest and oldest participants.
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