EXPLAINER: Why Mombasa Road Will Be Closed For Three Days
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has cautioned motorists on Mombasa Road (A8) to expect three days of temporary traffic disruptions this week when work to install a new pedestrian footbridge near Panari Hotel begins overnight.
According to a public notice issued on Thursday, traffic between the Airtel Complex and General Motors will be affected during two nighttime windows: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, December 12, and again from Friday, December 12, at 10 p.m. to Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m.
KeNHA stated that the closures are required to allow for the installation of constructed footbridge beams, as part of continuous measures to improve pedestrian safety along the busy route.
“KeNHA wishes to notify the public that a section of Mombasa Road (A8) near Panari Hotel will experience traffic disruption along the Mombasa-bound lanes from Thursday, December 11, 2025, to Saturday 13, 2025, between 10pm to 6am,” the notice read in part.
Reminder
— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) December 11, 2025
KeNHA wishes to notify the public that a section of Mombasa Road (A8) near Panari Hotel will experience traffic disruption along the Mombasa bound lanes from Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10 pm to Friday December 12, 2025 to 6 am and.. pic.twitter.com/XvyV8iscil
During the specified times, Mombasa-bound lanes will be temporarily closed, with cars diverted to nearby service roads around the construction site.
KeNHA has released a detailed traffic diversion plan that directs motorists entering from Nairobi and traveling towards General Motors to follow a designated circle around the Airtel Complex.
To protect safety, the authority has advised motorists to obey diversion signs and comply with traffic marshals and police officers stationed on the scene.
Meanwhile, the work is being done overnight to minimize disturbance to daytime traffic on the main highway connecting Nairobi to the port city.
KeNHA’s interim Director General, Luka Kimeli, urged motorists to be patient and cooperative with police, as the footbridge installation is part of bigger infrastructure enhancements along the A8 route.
Traffic disruptions are expected across Nairobi, as police announced the closure of several key roads in the CBD on Friday, December 12, ahead of Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo stated during a press briefing on Thursday, December 11, that the temporary measures will affect roads around both the Central Business District and Nyayo Stadium, the venue for the national event.
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Sections of the expressway will be closed to accommodate the celebrations.
Motorists travelling from Westlands via the expressway will have to exit at Bunyala Road from 7am, while those coming from Mlolongo towards the CBD will exit the expressway at Capital Centre.
Additionally, as part of the traffic management plan, all vehicles coming from Lang’ata Road towards the CBD will be diverted at the Madaraka Road roundabout to the Lusaka Road roundabout.
At the same time, Aerodrome Road will be completely closed to the public between 7am and 3pm on Friday.
EXPLAINER: Why Mombasa Road Will Be Closed For Three Days
