As preparations continue for the Nairobi Marathon, runners are getting ready for one of the city's major road-running events while motorists and commuters also need to be aware of planned road closures.

Several important routes in Nairobi will be affected to create space for participants and support the smooth running of the event. The closures cover central streets, major highways and sections connecting the city with the airport.

Expressway Access Affected

The expressway is among the most significant routes included in the road-closure plan. The affected section runs from James Gichuru to JKIA, with closures applying in both directions. Because the expressway is an important connection across Nairobi, the planned restrictions are particularly relevant for motorists making longer journeys across the city. Drivers using this route should consider alternative arrangements and allow additional time for their trips.

Waiyaki Way Inner Lanes

Parts of Waiyaki Way will also be affected. The road-closure plan identifies the inner lanes from the Nairobi School entrance toward the expressway entrance. The restrictions are focused on the inner lanes rather than the entire road, helping create space for the event while maintaining access where possible.

Waiyaki Way is an important route for movement around western Nairobi, so commuters should pay attention to traffic arrangements and possible changes along the route.

Uhuru Highway Restrictions

Another major route included in the plan is Uhuru Highway. Both sides of the highway will be closed between Lusaka Roundabout and Museum Hill. The route is an important connection through central Nairobi, meaning the changes may affect motorists travelling between different parts of the city. For commuters, checking their preferred route before travelling can help reduce delays and make it easier to identify alternative roads.

Central Nairobi Streets

Several streets in the city centre are also included in the planned closures. These include Moi Avenue, Koinange Street, University Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue and Processional Way. Moi Avenue will be affected between University Way and City Hall Way, while University Way will have restrictions between Uhuru Highway and the slip road.

Kenyatta Avenue will also be affected between PanAfric Hotel and Moi Avenue. Meanwhile, the plan includes Haile Selassie Avenue and Processional Way between the Cathedral area and Uhuru Highway. These roads form important connections within central Nairobi, making the closure information useful not only for marathon participants but also for residents, workers and visitors moving around the city.

City Hall Way and Nearby Streets

The road-closure plan also includes City Hall Way, where the entire road will be affected. Simba Street and Muindi Mbingu Street are also listed for full closure. These streets are located within the central city area, where marathon-related activity will require additional space for participants and event operations.

Planning Ahead for the Marathon

Road closures are an important part of organising a large road-running event. They provide runners with a controlled route while helping organisers manage movement around key sections of the course. For motorists, the most practical step is to plan journeys before setting out. Checking the affected roads, choosing alternative routes and allowing extra travel time can help make the experience easier.

Pedestrians and public transport users may also encounter changes around central roads and major connections. Staying alert to traffic signs and instructions in affected areas can help everyone move safely.

A Busy Build-Up Across Nairobi

The planned closures show how extensively the Nairobi Marathon will use the city's road network. From the expressway and Waiyaki Way to central streets around the business district, several important routes will form part of the event environment.

The Nairobi Marathon road-closure plan affects a number of major routes across the city, including the Expressway, Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue and several central Nairobi streets. Understanding the affected areas can help runners prepare for the event while giving motorists and commuters an opportunity to plan their journeys in advance. With good preparation, Nairobi residents and visitors can navigate the changes while the city prepares to welcome runners to the marathon.