By Timothy Albrite
Motorists using Nairobi’s Central Business District, Upper Hill and the Valley Road corridor should prepare for significant traffic disruptions after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced a series of partial road closures to facilitate bridge construction works.
According to KURA, sections of Kenyatta Avenue, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road and Haile Selassie Avenue will be partially closed for several months as contractors undertake major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing road safety.
Kenyatta Avenue–Valley Road Junction Closure
The most significant disruption will be at the busy Kenyatta Avenue, Valley Road and Jakaya Kikwete Road junction, where bridge construction works are scheduled to begin on 12 June 2026.
The affected section will remain partially closed until 12 February 2027, a period of approximately eight months. The authority has advised motorists to follow traffic management plans in place, use designated alternative routes and obey directions from traffic police officers and marshals stationed within the project area.
The junction serves as a key link between the CBD, Kilimani, Hurlingham and Upper Hill, meaning motorists should expect slower traffic movement, particularly during peak hours.
For drivers travelling from Ngong Road or Argwings Kodhek Road towards the city centre, avoiding the Valley Road junction altogether may help reduce delays. Alternative routes through Lenana Road and Ralph Bunche Road provide access to Upper Hill, from where motorists can enter the CBD through lower-city streets. Those approaching from the Westlands and Waiyaki Way side may also find Mamlaka Road and Nyerere Road useful in bypassing the immediate construction zone.
Haile Selassie Avenue Closure
KURA has also announced a partial closure along a section of Haile Selassie Avenue to allow for bridge construction works.
The closure will take effect from 12 June 2026 and remain in place until 12 October 2026, spanning four months. The project is expected to affect motorists accessing the CBD from Upper Hill and surrounding areas.
As with the Valley Road project, motorists have been advised to use alternative routes indicated in the traffic management plan and follow instructions from traffic officers and project marshals.
Commuters travelling between Upper Hill and the CBD may consider using Ragati Road, Tower Hill Road and Community Hill as alternative links into the city, connecting through Harambee Avenue or Mama Ngina Street depending on their destination.
Ngong Road Traffic Build-Up Expected
Although not part of the bridge construction notices, motorists should also be aware of ongoing works along sections of Ngong Road, particularly around the Windy Ridge and Westwood Park Road area, where drainage improvement projects have previously caused traffic slowdowns.
Drivers travelling from Karen towards the CBD may find it easier to divert before reaching congestion hotspots. Alternative routes through Lang’ata Road or the Southern Bypass can provide connections towards Mombasa Road, Dagoretti Corner and other parts of the city. Motorists already beyond Karen Shopping Centre may also consider Kerarapon Road or Marula Lane, depending on traffic conditions.
Plan Ahead
While KURA says the works are necessary to improve urban mobility and minimise future congestion, the projects are likely to increase travel times on some of Nairobi’s busiest corridors in the short term.
Traffic around the affected areas is typically heaviest between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where possible, adjusting departure times by even 30 minutes could help motorists avoid the worst delays.
Drivers are encouraged to plan journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes where possible, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
KURA says the temporary traffic measures are intended to ensure the safety of road users while allowing construction works to proceed with minimal disruption.
The authority has apologised for the inconvenience and urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management teams throughout the construction period.