Motorists in Nairobi faced significant traffic disruptions on Saturday following the overturning of an oil tanker along the Southern Bypass. The incident, which occurred between the Virtual Weighbridge and the Ngong Interchange, forced the temporary closure of the Kikuyu-bound lane, causing a major snarl-up.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the overturned tanker blocked the entire section of the road, making it impassable. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. Emergency teams were immediately dispatched to manage the situation and clear the oil spillage.
“This is due to an oil tanker that has overturned on the road, blocking traffic passage,” KeNHA said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
As cleanup operations continue, KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternative routes such as Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway to avoid the affected stretch. The agency also urged road users to cooperate with police and traffic marshals on-site to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the clean-up operation.
This incident follows an earlier disruption on Saturday morning, when KeNHA closed a section of Mombasa Road between FUSO (Simba Colt) and the Southern Bypass at the Ole Sereni Interchange. The week-long closure, set to end on July 12, is to facilitate vital maintenance works along the busy A8 Road corridor.
Heavy vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes and those headed to the Southern Bypass have been diverted through the Kyang’ombe Slip Road and Old Mombasa Road. Light vehicles will be restricted to a single lane along the affected section, a move expected to worsen congestion, particularly during peak hours.
KeNHA Director General Eng. Kungu Ndung’u called on road users to exercise patience and caution in the affected areas and to strictly follow traffic directions from on-site officers.
Adding to the weekend woes, Nairobi motorists should prepare for more disruptions on Sunday, July 6, as several major city roads will be closed for the Nairobi City Marathon. The closures begin at 10 pm Saturday and will last through Sunday afternoon.
