The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass to facilitate the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025.
According to a public notice dated October 17, 2025, the closure will affect the section between Ole Sereni Interchange and Kikuyu Town.
The shutdown will begin at midnight on Saturday, October 25, and end at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
"KeNHA wishes to notify the public on the temporary closure of Nairobi Southern Bypass from Ole Sereni Interchange to Kikuyu Town on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at midnight to Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2 pm," the statement noted.
The Authority stated that the closure is meant to ensure smooth coordination and safety during the marathon.
“This is to allow for the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. Motorists are advised to use Mombasa Road (A8) from Ole Sereni Interchange, through Uhuru Highway, and vice versa,” the notice read.
KeNHA has urged motorists to adhere to traffic signs and the guidance of marshals and police officers who will be stationed along affected routes.
Luka Kimeli, the acting Director General of KeNHA, said the Authority is working closely with the traffic department to minimise inconvenience during the event.
“We appeal to all road users to exercise patience and cooperate with our officers for a safe and successful event,” Kimeli said.
According to KeNHA’s traffic plan, several diversion routes have been identified to ease movement.
Motorists travelling from Dagoretti South to Kikuyu are advised to use Dagoretti Road, which will remain open during the closure.
Those moving between Lang’ata and Dagoretti South should use Lang’ata Road through Karen. Drivers from Mombasa Road heading to Kikuyu will be diverted through Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.
For motorists around Karen and Lang’ata, alternative connecting routes indicated on the KeNHA map will also be open.
Kimeli emphasised that the temporary closure reflects Kenya’s continued commitment to hosting international sporting events while maintaining road safety. “The Standard Chartered Marathon is an important annual event that promotes sports tourism and enhances Nairobi’s image as an athletics hub,” he added.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, held every year on the Sunday of October, attracts both local and international athletes.
The 2025 edition will feature the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km run, 5km Family Fun Run, wheelchair race, and the CEO & Corporate Challenge.
Organisers have assured participants of tighter logistics, more hydration points, and improved safety measures to accommodate record numbers expected in this year’s race.
