NAIROBI, Kenya — Motorists using Nairobi’s Northern Bypass have been advised to expect traffic disruptions on Sunday, July 26, following the temporary closure of sections of the highway to facilitate the USIU-Africa Half Marathon.
According to a traffic advisory issued by the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), the affected section will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to ensure the safety of runners, motorists and other road users during the annual event.
The temporary closure will affect the stretch between USIU-Africa Gates C and D and Two Rivers Mall along the Northern Bypass.
“USIU-Africa will host its Half Marathon on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. There will be a temporary road closure from USIU-Africa Gates C & D to Two Rivers Mall along the Northern Bypass route during this time. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and plan,” the university said in the advisory.
The institution apologised for the inconvenience and thanked members of the public for their patience as it hosts the event in support of education initiatives.
Affected routes
The advisory states that the closure will cover the route from USIU-Africa Gates C and D, passing through Mirema Overpass, 2nd Thome Avenue, Kigwa Road, Kiambu Road, and extending to the Two Rivers Mall area.
Traffic marshals will be deployed at key intersections to direct motorists, while diversions will be established to ease traffic flow during the marathon.
Motorists travelling to residential estates, shopping centres and businesses along the Northern Bypass, Kiambu Road, Mirema, Thome, Ruaka and the Two Rivers area have been urged to depart early or use alternative routes until the race concludes at midday.
“If you’re planning to travel through these areas, we request that you plan your journey in advance, use alternative routes where possible, or allow extra travel time,” USIU-Africa advised.
Normal traffic flow is expected to resume once the marathon ends and organisers reopen the affected section of the highway.
About the marathon
The USIU-Africa Half Marathon is one of the university’s flagship annual events, bringing together students, staff, alumni, elite athletes, corporate teams and members of the public to support education initiatives.
All races will begin at USIU-Africa Gate C, with staggered start times beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Participants will compete in several categories, including:
- 21-kilometre Half Marathon
- 10-kilometre Race
- 10-kilometre CEO and Corporate Challenge
- 5-kilometre Fun Run
The event also features categories for persons with disabilities, children, and senior citizens, making it accessible to participants of different ages and abilities.
Prize money
Winners of the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre Half Marathon will each receive a Sh150,000 cash prize.
Second-place finishers will earn Sh80,000, while third-place finishers will receive Sh70,000. The same prize structure applies to the men’s and women’s 21-kilometre persons with disabilities category.
In addition to cash prizes, organisers will award shopping vouchers, bicycles, hotel and dinner vouchers, USIU merchandise and surprise hampers to the first 500 finishers in selected categories. Awards will also recognise schools and companies with the highest participation and fundraising contributions, as well as the youngest and oldest participants.
The 20.2-kilometre Northern Bypass links Ruaka on Limuru Road to Ruiru on Thika Superhighway, passing through Kiambu Road, Thome and Kahawa West. It is one of the key transport corridors connecting Nairobi and Kiambu counties and carries thousands of motorists each day.