The public has been informed of the closure of Uhuru Highway and six other major roads in Nairobi for 13 hours.
On October 2, the public was advised to prepare for disruptions on Sunday, October 5, when several major roads in Nairobi will be closed to facilitate the Grand Nairobi Race, powered by Jubilee Insurance.
City residents, including commuters, businesses, and service providers, are encouraged to plan ahead to minimize disruptions during the event.
Nairobi Roads Affected
The closures, scheduled from 12 am to 1 pm, will affect the following roads:
- Uhuru Highway: It is one of Nairobi’s main thoroughfares, cutting across the city and linking residential and business districts. As one of the city’s earliest highways, it is central to Nairobi’s transportation network and is currently undergoing development, such as the construction of pedestrian underpasses, to improve connectivity and safety.
- Bunyala Road: Located in the southern part of Nairobi, linking the Industrial Area to the Central Business District. It serves as an important route for commuters and goods moving between the city centre and the industrial zones, passing close to landmarks such as Nyayo National Stadium.
- Lower Hill Road: Winds through the Upper Hill area of Nairobi, running near the Nairobi Railway line and connecting to major arteries like Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road. The road is a vital passage for both residential and commercial traffic, providing access to institutions such as Nairobi Hospital and the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.
- Haile Selassie Avenue: Skirts the edge of Nairobi’s Central Business District, connecting the upper part of the city to downtown. Named after the Ethiopian emperor, the avenue is lined with retail shops and cultural spots, including Jeevanjee Gardens, making it a key corridor for both pedestrians and vehicles.
- Kenyatta Avenue: Runs through the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District. A bustling commercial street named after Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, it is home to government offices, businesses, and cultural landmarks, making it a focal point of urban activity in the city.
- Lang’ata Road: Extends southwest from the city centre, connecting the Nyayo Stadium junction to areas near Karen Shopping Centre. It is a major arterial road leading to residential suburbs such as Madaraka and Ngei Estates, and also serves as a key route for public transport and commuter traffic.
- Douglas Wakiihuri Road: Formerly Aerodrome Road, is situated in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. Named after the famous Kenyan marathoner Douglas Wakiihuri, the road passes near Nyayo National Stadium and is a vital route supporting Nairobi’s sports and recreational hubs.
The route will stretch around Uhuru Gardens, Wilson Airport, Upper Hill, and sections of the CBD.
According to the organisers, the race will cover a 7.5-kilometre circuit, with participants completing five laps before reaching the finish line.
About the Grand Nairobi Race
The Jubilee Live Free Race, powered by the Grand Nairobi Bike Race (GNBR), has become one of East Africa’s most celebrated sporting events, drawing thousands of participants from across the region and beyond.
Launched in 2021, the annual race has evolved into a platform for professional cyclists, para-cyclists, families, and children, with categories ranging from the 75 km Main Race to the 45 km Black Mamba and Para-Cycling competitions, as well as the 15 km Family Fun Ride and Kiddie Race.
A Regional Sporting Phenomenon
The race brings together participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and more than 30 other nationalities, cementing its position as a regional cycling festival.
In 2024, the event attracted over 2,600 riders, representing significant growth from the 450 cyclists who attended when it first started in 2019.
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Since Jubilee Insurance joined as the main sponsor in 2022, the event has not only seen an increase in participation but also in its social and environmental impact.
Last year’s edition drew riders from 21 foreign nationalities, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
Driving Social Change Beyond Cycling
Beyond being a race, the Grand Nairobi Bike Race is also a movement for wellness and sustainability.
It promotes physical activity and inclusiveness while supporting access to prosthetics for children and adults who have lost limbs.
The race also integrates environmental conservation by championing projects such as kitchen gardens, food towers, fruit tree planting, and the restoration of water towers in marginalised schools.
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Through these initiatives, the organisers aim to leave a lasting impact on communities while raising awareness on sustainable living.
With millions of dollars invested in cash prizes, community programs, and sustainability projects, the Jubilee Live Free Race has evolved into more than just a sporting event.
It stands as a unifying platform for the region, celebrating cycling culture while advocating for wellness, inclusivity, and positive change.
As the race celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2025, it continues to embody its founding spirit of community, health, and transformation.
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