NAIROBI, Kenya— If you were planning a smooth cruise along the Nairobi Southern Bypass this weekend, think again. Motorists are facing major traffic disruptions after an oil tanker overturned, blocking the Kikuyu-bound lane and forcing authorities to close a key stretch of the highway.
According to a statement posted Saturday by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the closure affects the section between the Virtual Weighbridge and Ngong Interchange.
“This is due to an oil tanker that has overturned on the road, blocking traffic passage,” KeNHA said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
While no injuries have been reported, the impact on traffic was immediate. Major gridlocks built up along the Southern Bypass, spilling over onto nearby roads.
Authorities are now urging drivers to use alternative routes, such as Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway, to bypass the mess.
As cleanup operations continue, KeNHA is calling on road users to remain patient and cooperate with police and traffic marshals working at the scene. The goal: safety first, and hopefully, faster resolution.
But if that wasn’t enough chaos for one Saturday, another traffic headache unfolded along Mombasa Road, where KeNHA began a week-long closure of the section between FUSO (Simba Colt) and the Ole Sereni Interchange.
That closure, part of essential maintenance works on the busy A8 Road corridor, will run until Saturday, July 12.
To ease the burden, KeNHA has set up diversions. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and those headed to the Southern Bypass are being rerouted to exit at the Kyang’ombe Slip Road and connect through Old Mombasa Road.
Meanwhile, smaller vehicles can use a single traffic lane opened along the affected stretch—but expect delays, especially during peak hours.
KeNHA Director General Eng Kungu Ndung’u urged drivers to remain vigilant and respectful of traffic signs, marshals, and barriers as the agency pushes through with the roadworks.
And just when you thought Sunday would bring a break—think again. Nairobi motorists are in for another round of disruptions with the Nairobi City Marathon set to run through multiple parts of the city on Sunday, July 6.
Major roads will be closed from 10 pm Saturday night through Sunday afternoon to accommodate the event.
So yes, it’s a good weekend to stay patient, check your traffic app religiously, or—if you can—ditch the wheels altogether and work from your couch.
