KeNHA Announces Closure Of 12 Roads In Nairobi, Motorists Given Alternative Routes

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Saturday, September 7 informed motorists that up to 12 roads in Nairobi will be closed ahead of the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, September 8.

The authority announced in a statement that the closure will affect roads such as the Nairobi Southern Bypass at the exit of the expressway, the Nairobi Expressway between James Gichuru Road and the entrance to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Other roads planned for closure include; Waiyaki Way between James Gichuru Road and the entrance to the Expressway, Mombasa Road, Langata Road, Harry Thuku Road, the University Way, Koinange Street, Tata Road, Wakiihuri and Bunyala Roads.

List of roads to be closed for Nairobi City Marathon scheduled for September 8, 2024. /NAIROBI CITY MARATHON

KeNHA revealed that the planned closure would commence on September 7, 2024, at midnight until September 8, 2024, at 2 pm.

"This is to facilitate the 2024 Nairobi City Marathon. Motorists are advised to follow the traffic signs and guidance as directed by the Police and Traffic Marshals," KeNHA announced.

Motorists were also directed to use alternative routes to avoid causing disruptions along the above-mentioned roads. Those seeking to use the University Way were urged to utilize the Kenyatta and Moir Avenues and Murang'a Road.

Those planning to use the Uhuru Highway, Koinange Street and Harry Thuku Road were instructed to use the Nairobi Ring-Road Networks through Westlands, Ngara and the Ring Road to Eastlands.

Meanwhile, the Nairobi City Marathon is making its comeback this year, having been postponed from Sunday, July 7 in the wake of anti-Finance Bill protests.

“After widespread consultations, evaluation, and introspection, the Nairobi City Marathon, earlier scheduled for this Sunday, July 7, has been postponed to September 8. The postponement has been occasioned by unavoidable, external circumstances beyond the control of the organizing committee,” the organisers announced in a statement in part.

Those participating in the event have four races to choose from, depending on their fitness capability. The full marathon will commence at 6:45 am, with the last athlete expected to finish by 12:22 pm. 

The half marathon will start at 7:30 am, followed by the 10km race at 9:00 am and the 6km fun run at 10:00 am.

In terms of prizes, the winners of the 42km race will receive Ksh3.5 million with second and third-place finishers taking home Ksh2.25 million and Ksh1.5 million, respectively.

For the half marathon, the winners will be awarded Ksh150,000, with Ksh80,000 going to second place and Ksh50,000 for third place.

The first edition in 2022 had 10,000 participants which rose to 13,000 last year. This year's event will feature a notable international presence, including 155 runners from China, 130 from the United Kingdom, 75 from the United States, and 56 from Tanzania.