Motorists Warned of Two-Day Traffic Disruptions in Nairobi CBD and Expressway

Motorists in Nairobi have been warned to expect major traffic disruptions this weekend due to temporary road closures for the Nairobi City Marathon.

In a traffic advisory issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, the organisers said several roads in the Central Business District (CBD), sections of Waiyaki Way and the Nairobi Expressway will be closed from Saturday night through Sunday to allow runners to facilitate the annual marathon.

The closure of the Nairobi Expressway is expected to affect thousands of motorists travelling between the city centre and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

However, organisers have also identified several roads that will remain open to serve as alternative routes during the marathon.

Expressway to Close for 17 Hours to Pave Way for Nairobi City Marathon

The Nairobi Expressway will be closed in both directions between James Gichuru Road and JKIA.

• Closure starts: Saturday, June 6, 10 pm
• Reopens: Sunday, June 7, 3 pm

List of Roads to Be Closed and Reopening Times

Waiyaki Way

Only the inner lanes between Nairobi School and the Nairobi Expressway entrance will be closed.

Also Read: Motorists Warned Over Major Road Closures, Including Nairobi CBD

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 10 am

Uhuru Highway (Both Sides)

Between Lusaka Roundabout and Museum Hill.

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Kenyatta Avenue

Between Pan Afric Hotel and Moi Avenue.

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 4 pm

Haile Selassie Avenue and Processional Way

Between Cathedral Road and Uhuru Highway.

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 4 pm

City Hall Way

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Simba Street

• Closed from: Sunday, 12am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Moi Avenue

Between University Way and City Hall Way.

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

University Way

Between Uhuru Highway and the slip road.

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Muindi Mbingu Street

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Koinange Street

• Closed from: Sunday, 12 am
• Reopens: Sunday, 2 pm

Alternative Routes That Will Remain Open

According to the marathon route map, several roads marked in green will remain open to allow movement around the city.

Motorists travelling to Thika can continue using:

• Thika Road

Those heading towards Karen can use:

• Ngong Road
• Lang’ata Road
• Karen-bound roads via Junction Mall

Motorists travelling to JKIA can use:

• Southern Bypass
• Mombasa Road sections outside the closure area

Also Read: Motorists Brace for Disruptions as KeNHA Shuts Part of Major Highway

Other major roads that will remain open include:

• James Gichuru Road
• Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
• Southern Bypass
• Lang’ata Road
• Ngong Road
• Westlands routes outside the marathon corridor
• Ruiru Bypass
• Roads around The Mall area
• Roads connecting to Junction Mall

The marathon route map also indicates that access to key destinations such as Thika, Karen, Ruiru and sections of the Southern Bypass will remain available throughout the event.

About the Marathon Event

The Nairobi City Marathon was launched in 2022 following the completion of the Nairobi Expressway.

The annual event attracts thousands of participants and requires temporary road closures in parts of Nairobi to facilitate the race and ensure runners’ safety.

This year’s marathon will take place on Sunday, June 7, with participants competing in various race categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre race and family fun run.

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A notice showing lits of roads that will be opened and closed during Nairobi City Marathon. PHOTO/NMG