The Nairobi Traffic Police Department has announced partial road closures and traffic diversions ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026.
The road closures will begin at 11.00pm on Saturday, 24 October, and are scheduled to end at 1.30pm on Sunday, 25 October, to facilitate the race and ensure the safety of participants and other road users.
The marathon will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens, with runners taking a scenic route along the Southern Bypass, offering views of Nairobi National Park.
The event will feature seven categories: the 42km Full Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race, 21km Wheelchair Race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.
The 42km and 21km races will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens, taking runners along the Southern Bypass and sections of Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road, with both courses passing near Nairobi National Park before looping back to the finish line.
The 10km route will take runners along the Southern Bypass, with a crossover section near Nairobi National Park and NHC Langata before returning to Uhuru Gardens.
The 5km route will also start on the Southern Bypass, with runners crossing over approximately 2.1km from the start towards Lang’ata before crossing back to the Southern Bypass to complete the race.
The closures will affect key sections of the Southern Bypass and its interchanges with Dagoretti Road, Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road and Mombasa Road.
Motorists travelling between Kikuyu, Karen, Dagoretti, Lang’ata Road and Mombasa Road are advised to use designated alternative routes.
Motorists travelling from Karen Shopping Centre to Kikuyu should use Dagoretti Road, while those heading from Karen to Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road.
Drivers travelling from Lang’ata Road near Galleria Mall to Kikuyu should use Dagoretti Road via Lang’ata Road, while those heading to Mombasa Road should use Uhuru Highway through Lang’ata Road.
Motorists travelling from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) to Kikuyu Public should use Waiyaki Way via Mombasa Road or Uhuru Highway.
Vehicles travelling from Mombasa Road to Emara Ole Sereni should access the area through Nextgen Mall, while those travelling from Likoni Road to Mombasa Road should use Enterprise Road.
For motorists travelling from Kikuyu to Mombasa Road via Dagoretti, the recommended alternative is Waiyaki Way.
Drivers travelling from Lenana Road along Ngong Road to Kikuyu should use Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road, while those heading to Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road through Karen Road.
Trailers and lorries travelling towards Mombasa Road via the Southern Bypass should use Waiyaki Way.
“We have worked with the marathon organisers to plan traffic diversions that will help minimise disruption and keep road users safe during the event. We urge motorists to plan their journeys in advance, use the designated alternative routes and comply with instructions from traffic officers,” said Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir.
The 2026 edition will feature route activations, dedicated spectator zones, misting stations, mobile medical units, professional pacing teams and cheering squads. Hydration points, nutrition and electrolytes will also be available along the course to support runners.
“We have put measures in place to improve the race-day experience for runners and spectators while supporting the safe movement of people around the course. We encourage participants and motorists to familiarise themselves with the race schedule and road closure notice so they can plan ahead,” said David Mwindi, Chairperson of the Marathon Local Organising Committee.
