The National Police Service has announced a 39-hour closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass, alongside traffic restrictions on sections of Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road, ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
In a notice shared on X on Saturday, October 24, 2026, police said the Southern Bypass would be completely closed from midnight on Saturday until 3 pm on Sunday, October 25, to facilitate the annual sporting event.
The closure will affect the entire stretch between the Ole Sereni Interchange and Kikuyu Town, while partial closures and security restrictions will also affect sections of Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road near Uhuru Gardens and Nairobi National Park.
“The Nairobi Southern Bypass will be completely closed from midnight on Saturday, 24th October, until 3:00 pm on Sunday, 25th October 2026, to facilitate the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon,” the National Police Service said in its notice.
Police also outlined alternative routes for motorists approaching the affected areas from Mombasa Road, the Inland Container Depot (ICD), Western Kenya, Kikuyu, Lang’ata, Karen and Ngong Road.
Drivers travelling from Mombasa Road or the ICD will be diverted along Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway towards the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), while those approaching from Western Kenya or the Kikuyu Bypass will be directed to use James Gichuru Road or Waiyaki Way.
Motorists travelling from Lang’ata and Karen will face restricted access to the Southern Bypass and will need to use alternative routes depending on their destinations.
“From Lang’ata and Karen: Access to the Southern Bypass will be restricted. Traffic must use Lang’ata Road, Dagoretti Road and Ngong Road as alternatives, depending on the destination,” the service said.
For drivers approaching from the Lenana area along Ngong Road, police advised those heading towards Kikuyu to use Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road. Motorists bound for Mombasa Road were directed to use Lang’ata Road via Karen Road.
The service said it was working with relevant agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow and a successful marathon, urging motorists to exercise patience and follow instructions from officers and marshals stationed along the affected routes.
“All motorists are urged to be patient, adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations, and follow the guidance of police officers and marshals stationed along the affected routes,” the National Police Service said.
Police also warned motorists against disregarding the traffic measures during the closure period, saying enforcement action would be taken against those who breach the rules.
“Stern action will be taken against anyone found violating traffic rules,” the service added.
