Motorists using Mombasa Road this weekend are advised to brace for an eight-hour traffic disruption, following an announcement by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The disruption is scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and end at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 27. The affected section lies along the Nairobi-bound lanes near the Katani Road Junction, a busy stretch that frequently handles high volumes of traffic, especially during weekends.
According to the official statement released by KeNHA, the temporary closure of this portion of the highway is necessary to facilitate the safe installation of prefabricated footbridge beams. The authority emphasized the importance of the works, noting that they are part of an ongoing infrastructure improvement project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety along the busy corridor. KeNHA has urged drivers to exercise patience and comply with the directions provided by traffic marshals and law enforcement officers who will be stationed in the area to manage the flow of vehicles.
Motorists traveling toward Nairobi during the affected hours will be required to follow a designated alternative route, which includes the use of the service lanes adjacent to the Katani Road Junction. These adjustments are aimed at minimizing congestion and ensuring that traffic continues to move, albeit at a slower pace. KeNHA has made provisions for signage and guidance personnel to assist drivers unfamiliar with the detour.
The timing of the disruption is strategic, as it coincides with night hours when traffic density is typically lower. However, the authority acknowledges that the move will still significantly affect certain groups of travelers. Among those most likely to feel the impact are individuals taking advantage of late-night driving conditions to reach their weekend destinations with minimal traffic interference. With the weekend being a popular time for both local and upcountry travel, the disruption could cause delays for those unaware of the changes.
This is not the first such disruption along Mombasa Road in recent weeks. On April 16, KeNHA issued a similar advisory, informing the public of a nighttime closure of the Mombasa-bound lanes in the same area. That closure, also aimed at installing prefabricated footbridge beams, lasted from 10:00 p.m. on April 19 to 6:00 a.m. the following morning. The repeated interventions underscore the scale and complexity of the infrastructure development efforts underway along this vital national highway.
KeNHA has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the works with as little inconvenience to the public as possible. The authority is also keen to remind all road users of the long-term benefits of the project, which include enhanced road safety, particularly for pedestrians who cross the highway at points like Katani Junction. Road users are advised to remain vigilant for further announcements, as similar activities may be scheduled in the future as part of the broader infrastructure upgrade.
