The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has warned that motorists using the Nairobi Southern Bypass should brace for temporary traffic disruptions this coming weekend.
In a notice dated May 3, KeNHA Director General, Engineer Luka Kimeli, announced that a section of the Nairobi Southern Bypass will remain closed for 6 hours, effective Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm.
KeNHA Announces Closure of Southern Bypass, Issues Alternative Routes For Drivers
The authority announced that the temporary closure of a section of the Nairobi Southern Bypass between the Ole Sereni Interchange and the Lang’ata Road Interchange is intended to facilitate the 2026 Nairobi Marathon event.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public that the Nairobi Southern Bypass between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang’ata Road Interchange will be temporarily closed on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm,” KeNHA stated.
KeNHA specified that the affected stretch covers the section linking Ole Sereni Interchange to Lang’ata Road Interchange.
Motorists using the route during the stated hours will not be able to access the bypass segment.
According to KeNHA, drivers are advised to use the Mombasa Road (A8) Highway as an alternative route.
The diversion will run from Ole Sereni Interchange, through the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout, to connect with Lang’ata Road.
“Motorists are, therefore, advised to use the Mombasa Road (A8) Highway from Ole Sereni Interchange to the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout to access Langata Road as well as cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site,” KeNHA advised.
KeNHA has further urged road users to cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals who will be deployed along the affected routes.
Other Alternative Routes For Drivers
When the Nairobi Southern Bypass is closed between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang’ata Road Interchange, most traffic that would normally use that stretch is diverted onto the main arterial roads around south‑west Nairobi.
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Below is a simplified table showing typical from‑to routes that would be affected and their recommended diversions in such a closure situation.
| FROM | TO (via Southern Bypass if open) | Likely DIVERSION route (during closure) |
| Industrial Area / Mombasa Road (CBD side) | Kikuyu, Langata, Ngong (via Southern Bypass) | Mombasa Road → Lang’ata Road → Ngong Road / Muthangari / Kikuyu |
| Thika Road / Outer Ring (East) | Ngong / Langata / Kikuyu (via Southern Bypass) | Outer Ring Road → Lang’ata Road → Ngong Road / Muthangari |
| Ole Sereni / Mombasa Road (Makongeni) | Lang’ata / Galleria / Nairobi West (Mutinga) | Continue on Mombasa Road → Lang’ata Road; avoid the closed bypass section |
| Dagoretti / Karen | Mombasa Road / CBD (via Southern Bypass shortcut) | Dagoretti Road → Lang’ata Road → Mombasa Road |
| Lang’ata / Galleria area | Mombasa Road / CBD (via Southern Bypass shortcut) | Lang’ata Road → Mombasa Road directly; do not join the closed bypass section |
| Kikuyu / Muthaiga Road (West) | Mombasa Road / CBD / Coast (via Southern Bypass) | Kikuyu → Dagoretti / Muthangari → Lang’ata Road → Mombasa Road |
| Racecourse / Ngong Road (CBD side) | Kikuyu / Langata via Southern Bypass express link | Ngong Road → Lang’ata Road → Mombasa Road or Kikuyu routes |
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Traffic Diversion Advisory After Landslides
About the Nairobi Marathon Event
The Nairobi Marathon Relay is organized by David Thuo of Fitness with David, a seasoned endurance athlete and seven-time finisher of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and six-time finisher of the Comrades Marathon.
This event will be held at Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi and will begin at 6:00 AM, featuring a 42km relay format.
Absa Life Assurance Kenya serves as the platinum sponsor, providing life assurance solutions tailored to the Kenyan market.
The relay format allows teams of six runners to share the full marathon distance, with each participant covering approximately 7km, making the race more accessible to non-elite runners.
Participation is structured for team entry, with each team covering the full marathon distance collectively.
