NAIROBI, Kenya- The Nairobi Southern Bypass will close between Ole Sereni Interchange and Kikuyu Town from midnight on Saturday, October 24, to make way for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, the National Police Service says.
The closure will run through Sunday, October 25.
Police have also announced partial closures and security restrictions on sections of Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road near Uhuru Gardens and Nairobi National Park.
Motorists travelling from Mombasa Road or the Inland Container Depot will be diverted onto Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway towards the Nairobi city centre.
Drivers approaching from western Kenya or the Kikuyu Bypass will be directed to use James Gichuru Road or Waiyaki Way, depending on their destination.
Access to the Southern Bypass from Lang’ata and Karen will be restricted.
Those motorists are advised to use Lang’ata Road, Dagoretti Road and Ngong Road as alternatives.
Drivers coming from the Lenana area on Ngong Road and heading to Kikuyu are advised to use Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road.
Those travelling towards Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road via Karen Road.
The National Police Service said officers and race marshals would guide motorists along affected routes.
It urged drivers to follow traffic directions, obey road rules and allow extra time for their journeys.
Reopening time differs across notices
The police notice says the full Southern Bypass closure will end at 3pm on Sunday.
However, a separate Kenya National Highways Authority notice gives 2pm as the planned reopening time, while Nairobi County Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir said roads would be reopened by 2pm, subject to traffic arrangements.
Motorists should therefore expect disruption until at least 3pm and follow instructions from police and marshals on the ground.
The differing times have not been reconciled in the notices reviewed for this article.
The 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is scheduled for Sunday.
The event’s official website lists the race assembly point outside Carnivore on Southern Bypass Road and the finish line at Uhuru Gardens.
The full marathon is scheduled to start at 5:45 am, followed by the half marathon, 10km race, and 5km family fun run.
The bypass closure and restrictions on nearby roads are intended to keep the race route clear and protect runners.
Police said they were coordinating with relevant agencies to manage traffic and support the event.
The National Police Service warned that action would be taken against motorists who violate traffic rules.
Drivers are advised to check directions before setting out, particularly if their journey would normally use the Southern Bypass or the affected sections of Lang’ata and Ngong roads.
