Major road closures announced ahead of Nairobi City Marathon
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 04.06.26. | 20:09
Authorities have assured runners and residents that all preparations for the event have been finalised, with security, traffic management and parking arrangements already in place
Nairobi residents and motorists have been advised to prepare for extensive road closures on Sunday, 7 June, as the city hosts the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon, expected to attract 17,450 participants.
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Authorities have assured runners and residents that all preparations for the event have been finalised, with security, traffic management and parking arrangements already in place.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Thursday, 4 June, at Riadha House, Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui said organisers were fully prepared to deliver another successful edition of the marathon.
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"We are very ready. We are releasing information about security status, road closures, where to park vehicles, and confirming to the world that we are now ready for the run,” Tanui said.
The marathon, which has grown into one of the country's flagship road races, will see runners compete across the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km race, and the 5km family fun run.
Nairobi police have rolled out a comprehensive security plan involving multiple agencies to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Nairobi Regional Head of Operations Commissioner of Police Benjamin Bowen said law enforcement officers had been directed by the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security coverage throughout the event.
The security deployment will include officers from the National Police Service (NPS), Administration Police Service (APS), Traffic Police, General Service Unit (GSU), National Youth Service (NYS), and Nairobi County enforcement teams.
Police have also intensified operations targeting street crime, mobile phone snatching and robberies, particularly those linked to motorcycle gangs.
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"We have started sweeping the streets, ready for this great event," Bowen warned.
Authorities have urged residents and participants to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Police also identified unplanned demonstrations, severe weather, and possible flooding as potential risks that could disrupt the event.
To address concerns raised during previous editions, organisers confirmed that an Anti-Vandalism Unit will be deployed to protect parked vehicles. Tanui revealed that 200 Nairobi County inspectorate officers will be stationed at designated parking areas to enhance security.
Motorists have been warned to expect major disruptions from midnight on Saturday until approximately 1400 hours on Sunday.
Deputy Nairobi Traffic Commander Rashid Ali said roads that will fall under the marathon's route will be closed progressively and reopened as the races conclude.
Among the roads set for closure are the Nairobi Expressway from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Waiyaki Way at ABC Place, Uhuru Highway on both sides, Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, City Hall Way, Moi Avenue, University Way and Koinange Street.
City Hall Way will serve as the starting point for all races, while Procession Way at Uhuru Park will host the finish line.
"We shall open the roads as we go," Rashid said.
Authorities have advised motorists to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes to minimise inconvenience.
Vehicles travelling from Mombasa Road towards the Central Business District will be diverted through the Southern Bypass or Enterprise Road via General Motors.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Road, Lang'ata Road, Raila Odinga Road, and Ngong Road will remain open to traffic.
Motorists using Ngong Road will be redirected through Bunyala Roundabout, while vehicles approaching from Westlands will be diverted at the ABC Place underpass.
Traffic from Kikuyu heading towards Westlands will be restricted to a single lane to avoid interfering with athletes.
"I am appealing to members of the public to abide by traffic officers' guidance," Rashid said.
The full marathon will begin at 6:45 AM, followed by the half marathon at 9:00 AM, the 10km race at 10:00 AM, and the 5km family fun run at 11:00 AM.
According to route measurer George Kariuki, participants will traverse major sections of the CBD, Nairobi Expressway, University Way, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, ABC Place, the JKIA corridor, Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway.