TRAFFIC ALERT: Southern Bypass to Close as Nairobi Prepares for Standard Chartered Marathon
Major Road Closures, Diversions Announced Ahead of StanChart Marathon
Motorists in Nairobi have been advised to prepare for major traffic disruptions ahead of the upcoming Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, with temporary closures and diversions planned to ensure the safety of participants.
L-R Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Kenya and Africa, David Mwindi, Standard Chartered Chairperson and Local Organizing Committee, alongside CP Mr. Joseph Chirchir, In-charge Nairobi County Traffic, SSP Mr. Pius Mwanthi, Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Lang’ata, and ASP Mr. Peter Machuma, General Service Unit (GSU) Sub-unit, Headquarters, pose for a photo during the Road Closure Media Briefing ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 25th October 2026.
Authorities have announced that sections of the Southern Bypass and other connecting roads will be temporarily closed to facilitate preparations and allow runners to compete safely.
The closures are expected to begin at midnight on Saturday, allowing event organisers to set up the race route ahead of the early Sunday morning start.
Key Traffic Diversions
Motorists travelling into and around Nairobi should take note of the following planned diversions:
- From Mombasa: Vehicles approaching from the Mombasa direction will be diverted at Ole Sereni to use Mombasa Road towards the Central Business District (CBD).
- From the Kikuyu Bypass direction: Motorists from Western Kenya using this route will be redirected via the main James Gichuru Road towards the CBD and onward to Mombasa.
- From Karen: Drivers will not be able to access the Southern Bypass directly and will instead be diverted through Dagoretti and Ngong Road towards the CBD.
- Other affected routes: Motorists approaching from other directions will be guided along designated alternative roads, including routes towards Lang’ata Road and the CBD, depending on their point of origin.
Motorists are encouraged to follow instructions from traffic police and road signs to avoid unnecessary delays.
Organisers Urge Runners to Start on Time
Marathon participants have been urged to report and begin their races according to their designated start times.
Organisers say timely participation will help ensure the event proceeds smoothly and enable roads to reopen as scheduled.
The organisers have indicated that they expect to begin reopening the affected roads by around 12 noon, with the aim of restoring normal public access by 2pm on Sunday.
However, reopening times may depend on the progress of the race and the safe clearance of affected sections.
Road Users Urged to Plan Ahead
Residents, commuters and motorists have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes during the event.
The temporary restrictions are intended to protect runners and other participants while minimising disruption to the public.
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