Motorists Warned of Major Traffic Disruptions as Nairobi City Marathon Prompts Road Closures

Motorists using the Nairobi Expressway and several major roads within Nairobi have been advised to plan their journeys in advance following the announcement of extensive road closures for the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026.

In a notice issued on Friday, June 5, authorities said the closures will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, and remain in effect until Sunday afternoon to facilitate the marathon.

According to the advisory, traffic along the Nairobi Expressway will be suspended in both directions between James Gichuru Road and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from 10 p.m. on Saturday until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Motorists using Waiyaki Way will also experience disruptions, with the inner lanes on both sides of the road closed from Nairobi School to the entrance of the Expressway. The closure will be in effect from midnight until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Along Uhuru Highway, both carriageways between Lusaka Roundabout and Museum Hill will be closed from midnight to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Kenyatta Avenue will also be inaccessible between Panafric Hotel and Moi Avenue during the same period.

Other roads affected include Haile Selassie Avenue and Processional Way, which will be closed between Cathedral Road and Uhuru Highway from midnight to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

City Hall Way and Simba Street will be closed to motorists from midnight until 2 p.m., while sections of Moi Avenue, Koinange Street and University Way will also face restrictions.

Koinange Street will be inaccessible between University Way and City Hall Way, while University Way will be closed between Uhuru Highway and Slip Road.

Authorities have urged motorists to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time during the marathon period.

The Nairobi City Marathon, now in its fifth edition, continues to attract growing participation from both local and international runners.

Organisers said a total of 17,450 participants have registered for this year’s event, with the 10-kilometre race emerging as the most popular category, attracting 6,550 runners.

The half marathon (21km) has drawn 5,050 participants, while 4,100 people have signed up for the 5km Family Fun Run. The full marathon (42km) has attracted 1,750 elite and competitive athletes.

The previous edition of the marathon was held on July 6, 2025, and produced new champions who recorded faster times than those posted in the 2024 race.