5 Nairobi Roads to Be Closed This Weekend Due to City Marathon
Nairobi residents and drivers should prepare for major traffic disruptions across the city this weekend, as several key roads will be temporarily closed to make way for the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon.
The marathon is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, and this year’s edition is expected to be the biggest so far. Organisers estimate that more than 15,000 runners will take part in various races, including the full marathon, half marathon, expressway run, and fun run.
To ensure the event runs smoothly and safely, authorities have announced road closures that will begin as early as Saturday night, July 5, at 10 p.m.
One of the most affected roads will be the Nairobi Expressway, which will be completely shut down in both directions—from James Gichuru Road all the way to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This closure starts at 10 p.m. on Saturday and will remain in place until 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Waiyaki Way will also face restrictions. Inner lanes between Musa Gitau Road and the Expressway entrance will be closed from midnight to 10 a.m. on Sunday. In addition, two lanes on both sides between James Gichuru Road and the Expressway entrance will be inaccessible from midnight until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
In the Upper Hill area, Aerodrome Road, which is near Nyayo Stadium, will be closed for a longer period—starting from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4, until 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.
Along Mombasa Road and the Southern Bypass, various entry and exit points, including roundabouts and slip roads heading into the city, will also be closed from midnight on Saturday to 11 a.m. on Sunday. These closures will affect major intersections and crossing points, especially those connecting to the Expressway and bypass routes.
Within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), several streets will be completely off-limits to vehicles from midnight on Saturday to 2 p.m. on Sunday. These include:
- Harry Thuku Road
- University Way (from Uhuru Highway roundabout to the slip road)
- Koinange Street (between University Way and Kenyatta Avenue)
- Kenyatta Avenue (from Koinange Street to Moi Avenue)
- Kimathi Street
- Simba Street
- Mama Ngina Street (between Simba and Kimathi Streets)
- City Hall Way (from Simba Street to Parliament Road)
- Taifa Road
- Harambee Avenue (from Taifa Road to Parliament Road)
- Parliament Road (between Harambee Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue)
Additionally, key intersections on Mombasa Road and the Southern Bypass, especially at Likoni Road, will be closed between midnight and 11 a.m. on Sunday. These locations are expected to face the heaviest traffic interruptions.
Drivers using Thika Road should also take note: the Exit A2 ramp toward Uhuru Highway, which leads to Mombasa Road, will be closed from midnight to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
All races will begin at Uhuru Park, and due to the different categories involved, the road closures will cover a wide time frame.
The marathon includes:
- A 42-kilometre full marathon, the main event of the day.
- A 21-kilometre half marathon, starting at 7:30 a.m..
- An 11.7-kilometre Expressway Run, which will begin at 9:00 a.m..
- A 4-kilometre fun run, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m., serving as the shortest race of the day.
The large number of road closures, especially on Sunday morning, is meant to provide adequate space and security for all the marathon events.
Authorities have urged all Nairobi residents and motorists to plan ahead and use alternative routes during the affected periods to avoid inconvenience.
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