The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a partial closure of Kipande Road in Nairobi, which will be in effect for three days, starting from Friday, December 27, 2024, through to Tuesday, December 31, 2024. The closure is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements, specifically to facilitate the installation of a cross culvert on Kipande Road. This work is intended to enhance traffic flow and ensure better connectivity in line with the authority’s mandate.
During the closure, all traffic will be diverted to alternative routes. Motorists will be directed through the Embu-Nairobi Highway, Prof. Wangari Maathai Road, Kipande Road, Limuru Road, and Kolobot Road. These routes are expected to provide a temporary solution for commuters while the work is being carried out on Kipande Road. KeNHA has emphasized the importance of following the designated traffic management plan to minimize disruptions and ensure safety during the closure period.
The partial closure of Kipande Road is part of a broader effort by KeNHA to improve key roads and enhance the efficiency of the road network in Nairobi. The installation of the cross culvert will help improve drainage and reduce traffic congestion, particularly in the area around Kipande Road, which is a crucial part of the city’s transport infrastructure. The project is expected to contribute to long-term benefits for commuters and the surrounding community by reducing flooding and ensuring smoother traffic flow during rainy seasons.
In addition to the closure of Kipande Road, KeNHA has also announced the closure of a section of the Southern Bypass, which will affect both sides of the road from the Ole Sereni Interchange to the Ngong Road Interchange. This closure, which began on December 24, 2024, and is scheduled to last until January 5, 2025, is intended to facilitate the rehabilitation of expansion joints on all the bridges along the affected section of the bypass. The closure will also allow for the reconstruction of the concrete pavement of the Virtual Weighbridge, which is a key part of the bypass’s infrastructure.
The Southern Bypass closure is expected to cause some disruptions, particularly for drivers who rely on this route to connect different parts of Nairobi. However, the rehabilitation work is crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of the road network. KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternative routes during this period and to be cautious when driving near work zones. The closure is part of a larger initiative to improve the quality of roads and ensure they are capable of handling increasing traffic volumes in the future.
Both the Kipande Road and Southern Bypass closures are part of KeNHA’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and maintain the national road network. These projects are essential for improving the flow of traffic in Nairobi and ensuring the safety of road users. While the closures may cause temporary inconvenience, they are expected to bring long-term benefits to the city’s transport infrastructure.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving through work zones and to adhere to the traffic management plans put in place to ensure the safety of both drivers and workers. KeNHA has emphasized that the projects are being undertaken with the goal of improving the road network, which will ultimately lead to better traffic conditions and enhanced road safety in Nairobi.
