KeNHA Announces 8-Day Night Closure of Uhuru Highway Section, Issues Alternative Routes
Motorists in Nairobi have been advised to prepare for temporary night-time traffic disruptions after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced the closure of a key section of Uhuru Highway to allow for routine maintenance works.
In a notice issued on Friday, February 6, KeNHA said the affected stretch runs between the University of Nairobi Roundabout and the Westlands Roundabout, a busy corridor linking the Central Business District (CBD) to Westlands, Upper Hill, and major highways leading to Nakuru and Mombasa.
According to the authority, the closure will take effect for eight consecutive nights, beginning Friday, February 6, 2026, through Friday, February 13, 2026. The road will be inaccessible daily from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., after which normal traffic flow will resume during daytime hours.
KeNHA explained that the temporary closure is necessary to facilitate highway maintenance works aimed at improving road safety and efficiency along the heavily used route.
“Motorists are advised to follow the proposed traffic management plan as well as cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site. Normal traffic operations on the road will be restored upon completion of the works,” the authority said in its statement.
To minimise inconvenience, KeNHA outlined several alternative routes for motorists who frequently use the affected section. Drivers heading towards Chiromo Road via Uhuru Highway have been advised to divert through Nyerere Road, Arboretum Drive, Westlands Ring Road, or use the Nairobi Expressway.
Motorists joining Uhuru Highway towards Mombasa-bound traffic have been directed to use Parklands Ring Road, Ojijo Road, Kipande Road, Limuru Road, or University Way as alternative corridors during the night closure period.
KeNHA noted that traffic police officers and marshals will be deployed along the diversion routes to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow. Road users have been urged to exercise patience and comply with traffic instructions to avoid congestion and accidents.
“We urge all road users to adhere strictly to the proposed traffic management plan and cooperate with officers on duty during the closure period,” KeNHA added, while apologising for any inconvenience caused.
Uhuru Highway remains one of Nairobi’s most critical transport arteries, handling thousands of vehicles daily. Over the years, increased traffic volumes have accelerated wear and tear on the road surface, prompting periodic maintenance and rehabilitation works by the government.
Urban transport experts note that night-time closures have become a preferred approach for infrastructure works in the capital, as they allow essential maintenance to proceed while minimising disruption to peak-hour traffic and business activities during the day.
The latest closure comes amid broader efforts by KeNHA to maintain and upgrade Nairobi’s road network as the city grapples with rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle ownership, and persistent congestion. Several major road projects, including expressways and bypasses, have been rolled out in recent years to ease pressure on older highways such as Uhuru Highway.
Motorists have been encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time during the affected hours, and consider using alternative transport options where possible.
KeNHA reiterated that the works will be completed within the scheduled eight-day period, after which the affected section of Uhuru Highway will be fully reopened to traffic.
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KeNHA Announces 8-Day Night Closure of Uhuru Highway Section, Issues Alternative Routes
