The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a travel advisory warning passengers and airport users of potential delays and disruptions ahead of the Nairobi City Marathon scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 2025.
In anticipation of the marathon, key roads in Nairobi leading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport will be temporarily closed. These closures are set to begin at 10:00 PM on Saturday night and remain in effect until mid-afternoon on Sunday.
Among the affected roads are major transport arteries including the Nairobi Expressway, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, and Kenyatta Avenue. These are crucial routes used by many travelers heading to and from the city’s two main airports.
KAA has advised passengers to make early travel arrangements and plan ahead to avoid missing their flights. Travelers are urged to allow extra travel time and explore alternative routes to navigate around the affected areas.
For passengers heading to JKIA, recommended alternative routes include the use of Outer Ring Road via Ruai or Thika Road, depending on one’s location and direction of travel. For those travelling to Wilson Airport, Lang’ata Road and Mombasa Road through designated feeder roads have been suggested as viable options.
The Expressway, running from James Gichuru to JKIA, will be fully closed in both directions starting Saturday night and will reopen at 3:00 PM on Sunday. Additionally, the inner lanes of Waiyaki Way between Musa Gitau Road and the Expressway entrance will be closed from midnight to 10:00 AM.
Other affected roads include Aerodrome Road in Upper Hill, which will remain closed until Sunday evening. Streets within the Central Business District (CBD), such as University Way, Harambee Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue, will also be inaccessible between midnight and 2:00 PM on Sunday.
KAA has emphasized that heavy traffic and diversions are expected along the closed routes and has requested full cooperation from the public with traffic police and marathon officials managing the situation.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring official communication channels for real-time updates and traffic information. The advisory underscores the importance of preparedness and flexibility during the marathon period to minimize inconveniences and ensure timely arrival at the airports.
KAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring passenger convenience and safety, assuring that further updates will be made available through its official digital platforms as the marathon progresses.
