Motorists in Nairobi have been warned of significant traffic disruptions on several major roads ahead of the annual Mater Heart Run 2025. The event, which draws thousands of participants and spectators, is expected to cause considerable congestion in key parts of the city, prompting authorities to advise drivers to plan alternative routes or adjust their travel times.
The traffic advisory issued highlights that some of the main roads affected include City Hall Way, Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, Bunyala Road, Upper Hill Road, Elgon Road, and Ngong Road. These roads will experience heavy traffic volumes and possible delays during the event, which runs from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.
Additionally, congestion is anticipated near major landmarks such as the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the Parliament Buildings (Bunge), and Britam Tower. Due to the high traffic volumes expected in these areas, spillover effects could also impact surrounding streets, including Kenyatta Avenue.
To mitigate the expected traffic snarls, motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternative routes. The advisory recommends bypassing the congested areas by taking Waiyaki Way if traveling westbound or Mombasa Road if heading southbound. For those entering the city center, Lang’ata Road offers a suitable detour. Motorists who can delay their journeys are advised to travel after 5:00 pm, once the event has concluded and the roads have cleared.
The Mater Heart Run, which began in 1995, was originally a Nairobi-based fundraising event for the Mater Cardiac Programme. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and is now held simultaneously in ten counties across Kenya. This year, the run will take place in Mombasa, Kericho, Nakuru, Nyeri, Bomet, Kisumu, Kakamega, Machakos, and Uasin Gishu, in addition to Nairobi. Starting points for these runs include Loreto Convent in Mombasa, Kericho Teachers’ College, Nakuru Athletics Club, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, St. Mary’s Day & Boarding Primary School in Nyeri, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground in Kisumu, Bishop Sulumeti Girls in Kakamega, The Machakos School, and Moi Girls’ Eldoret.
In Nairobi, the traffic situation is further complicated by ongoing maintenance and construction work on the Nairobi Expressway. The Museum Hill Exit A, a crucial access point connecting central Nairobi to the elevated toll road, was temporarily closed to allow for expansion and improvements. This closure is expected to exacerbate traffic delays around the area.
The Nairobi Expressway, a 27-kilometre motorway aimed at easing congestion in the city, is currently undergoing upgrades. The Museum Hill Exit A, which currently has three lanes, is being expanded to five lanes to increase capacity and improve traffic flow. This upgrade project was initially announced in December 2023, with plans to enhance commuter experience by reducing bottlenecks. However, progress has been slower than anticipated due to ongoing negotiations concerning land acquisition with the University of Nairobi.
Motorists who normally use the Museum Hill Exit A are advised to plan their trips carefully and consider alternative routes, such as the Haile Selassie Exit, to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams. Authorities emphasize that these improvements, although disruptive in the short term, are part of a broader strategy to provide a smoother and more efficient expressway experience for Nairobi commuters in the long run.
The combined impact of the Mater Heart Run and the ongoing expressway construction means that motorists in Nairobi need to exercise patience and flexibility over the coming days. Those who have the option to avoid traveling during peak disruption times are urged to do so to help ease the pressure on the city’s road network.
Overall, these temporary inconveniences highlight the growing pains of Nairobi’s expanding infrastructure and the city’s efforts to balance necessary improvements with everyday commuter needs. By planning ahead and following the recommended detours, motorists can reduce their travel time and contribute to a smoother traffic flow during this busy period.
