The Traffic Department has announced road closures in Nairobi from Saturday as the city prepares to host the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
On Thursday, Nairobi Traffic Commander Joseph Chirchir said the Southern Bypass will be closed starting from midnight on Saturday till Sunday at 2pm for the marathon. The Southern Bypass will be closed from the Ole Sereni interchange to Kikuyu town. Vehicles using the Southern bypass will be diverted to Mombasa Road via Uhuru Highway.
While making the announcement, Mr Chirchir said there would be minimal traffic disruption during this year’s race, which will be held on Sunday.
Mr Chirchir also announced that the Southern Bypass will be closed at different points, including Gitaru near Kikuyu , the upper deck of the Ngong Road interchange , and the Inland Container Depot.
Alternative routes for city motorists include Waiyaki Way to Central Business District (CBD), Lang’ata Road via City Stadium to Nairobi’s CBD, the Ngong Road interchange (lower deck), and Dagoretti Road.
“Those from Kikuyu will use the main Nairobi-Nakuru Highway,” Chirchir said. Some roads connecting to the Southern Bypass will be closed starting at midnight on Saturday,” said Chirchir. He noted that Langata Road and Langata Link Road will remain open to allow access to Uhuru Gardens and the public parking lot at Langata Primary School.
Standard Chartered Bank's Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Location Organising Committee chairman, David Mwindi, Nairobi Traffic Commander, Joseph Chirchir and Kenya Police Chief Inspector Agnes Masengeli in discussion ahead of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon at the Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi on October 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Ayumba Oyodi|Nation Media Group
Chirchir said the 14-hour road closure is meant to ensure safety and smooth running of the event for athletes, fans, and motorists.
“Security has been increased across Nairobi, and we urge motorists to follow traffic rules and cooperate with police officers stationed along the affected routes for their own convenience,” Mr Chirchir said.
Mr Chirchir was accompanied by Chief Inspector Agnes Masengeli. Also present were Joyce Kibe, the Standard Chartered Bank head of corporate affairs, brand, and marketing for Kenya and Africa, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman, Mr David Mwindi.
From the Carnivore Restaurant, participants in the full marathon will head towards Ole Sereni Hotel, then turn around at the ICD and head back to the Ole Sereni Hotel, enjoying the scenic Nairobi National Park along the way.
They will pass through the park, then make a turn at Alliance Concrete Limited, before returning to the finish line at Uhuru Gardens.
The 21-kilometre wheelchair race will start at 5:45 am, followed by the 42-kilometre race at 6:00 am, the 21-kilometre race at 7:20 am, the 10-kilometre race at 8:45 am, and the 5-kilometre race at 10:00am.
