KeNHA Announces Traffic Disruption On Southern Bypass

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) made public its notice on Tuesday, February 21 regarding ongoing traffic disruptions along the Nairobi Southern Bypass.

The notice revealed that the temporary disruption was to allow for construction works along the carriageway bound towards Kikuyu.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the Public that the Nairobi Southern Bypass will experience traffic disruptions starting from Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

"This is due to planned surface dressing works along the Kikuyu-bound carriageway," KeNHA stated in part.

KeNHA advised motorists to approach the section with caution and follow the traffic flow signs, and guidance through the road works area.

Notably, the notice did not indicate how long the traffic disruption will last for.

The Southern Bypass was last temporarily closed on October 30, 2022, among a section of Nairobi roads closed ahead of the StanChart Nairobi Marathon at Uhuru Gardens.

A section of Ng'ong, Lang'ata and Mombasa roads were closed for 12 hours on that day, all of which are connected to the Southern Bypass, according to Nairobi Traffic Police officer Mary Kiarie on October 25, 2022.

The Ksh18 billion Southern bypass allows traffic from Mombasa Road heading to Western Kenya to bypass the City Centre. The road commissioned in 2016 helps divert mainly freight trucks ferrying goods along that corridor. 

Kikuyu is the only town along the Southern Bypass which connects Mombasa Road to the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway.

Over the weekend, the Eastern Bypass was partially closed for 12 hours on Sunday, February 19, which affected motorists using Thika and Mombasa roads, lasting between 6 am and 6 pm.

"Kenya Urban Roads Authority wishes to notify the general public that there will be traffic disruption along the Eastern Bypass as from 6 AM till 6 PM on Sunday 19th February 2023. This is to allow the Contractor to lay the final surface dressing at the section between Green Spot Gardens and Thika Road Junction," KURA stated in part.

Motorists were advised to drive with caution and follow the installed road signs, traffic Marshalls and the police will be on-site to guide motorists and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

"We regret any inconvenience caused and urge members of the public to cooperate as we strive to Enhance Urban Mobility," added KURA.

The authority also offered alternatives for motorists using the bypass road. Notably, all vehicles will be required to use the lane meant for vehicles travelling from Mombasa Road to Thika Road.

At Shell Petrol station - next to Sunrise Road - vehicles heading to Mombasa Road will continue with their normal drive routes as the section will not be affected by the closure.

A map showing the intended partial closure of the Eastern Bypass for road works and alternative routes. /KURA