Motorists using the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Ole Sereni-bound) are advised to expect delays following a traffic accident the temporarily closed a section of the road.
In a notice on April 24, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said the affected stretch lies between Thogoto and Dagoretti interchanges near Karinde. The authority said the closure followed a road traffic accident that occurred earlier in the day.
“Traffic delays are expected along the affected section, and motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly,” read part of the notice.
KeNHA advised drivers who had not yet started their journeys to use the Kikuyu–Mutuini–Dagoretti route, also known as the C63 Road, as an alternative.
Motorists were also urged to cooperate with traffic marshals and enforcement officers deployed to the scene as clearance work continues.
According to KeNHA, teams are working continuously to reopen the road and restore normal traffic flow while ensuring the safety of all road users.
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Crash Details Following KeNHA Traffic Advisory
The crash, which occurred near the Mugumoini/Karinde area along the stretch between the Thogoto and Dagoretti interchanges, involved a trailer or lorry and caused heavy traffic congestion, particularly affecting motorists heading toward Ole Sereni and Lang’ata.
According to reports, the disruption arose from a collision between two long‑distance trucks along the busy Gitaru section of the bypass.
Findings indicate that one of the lorries had broken down and was parked by the roadside when it was hit from behind by another truck. Brake failure is suspected of causing the second vehicle to crash into the stationary lorry.
The incident left one person dead and another seriously injured, and the victim who died was reportedly a mechanic who was repairing the stalled lorry at the time of the collision.
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Previous Incidents Along the Southern Bypass
On April 11, protesters blocked several sections of the Southern Bypass at Thogoto, Gitaru, and Kiamburi using burning tyres and debris.
Traffic was brought to a standstill, and some motorists reported attacks on their vehicles.
The disruptions were linked to political tensions ahead of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s tour of Kikuyu. The road was later reopened following intervention by members of the public and police. Motorists’ associations later criticized the authorities over what they described as a delayed response.
On January 24, a fuel tanker collided with another lorry near Ram Residency, close to the Swaminarayan Tunnel. The crash triggered a fire and explosion that destroyed several vehicles.
One person died after being burnt beyond recognition, and KeNHA temporarily closed the Southern Bypass to allow emergency response and clearance operations. Traffic was restored the following day after debris was cleared and safety checks were completed.
