The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass to facilitate the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The closure will take effect from midnight on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and end at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
According to the traffic plan, the affected section will stretch from the Ole Sereni Interchange to Kikuyu Town. The move aims to ensure safety and smooth coordination during one of Kenya’s biggest annual sporting events.
KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternative routes during the closure period. Those travelling from Mombasa Road (A8) to Kikuyu are encouraged to use Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way, while motorists moving between Lang’ata and Dagoretti South can use Lang’ata Road through Karen. Additionally, drivers from Dagoretti South to Kikuyu can take Dagoretti Road, which will remain open throughout the event.
The Authority has urged all road users to observe traffic signs and follow instructions from marshals and police officers who will be deployed along affected routes. It also assured the public that diversion routes have been clearly mapped out to minimize inconvenience and maintain traffic flow around the marathon route.
KeNHA emphasized that the temporary closure reflects Kenya’s continued commitment to hosting international sports events while ensuring road safety and public order. The Authority is working closely with the traffic department to manage diversions effectively and maintain accessibility for essential services.
The 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will feature several race categories, including the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race, 5km Family Fun Run, wheelchair race, and the CEO & Corporate Challenge. Organisers have promised enhanced logistics, more hydration points, and improved safety measures to accommodate the large turnout expected this year.
The event, held annually on the last Sunday of October, attracts thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world. The marathon not only promotes sports tourism but also strengthens Nairobi’s reputation as a leading athletics destination.
