Nairobi: Standard Chartered today announced road closures and traffic diversions ahead of the 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025. The road closures will be in effect from midnight until 1:30 pm on race day to ensure the safety of participants and smooth running of the event.
According to Kenya News Agency, the race will kick off from Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata Road, with runners taking a scenic route along the Southern Bypass that offers views of Nairobi National Park. The 5km Family Fun Run will finish on the Southern Bypass, while all other race categories will conclude at Uhuru Gardens. With an anticipated participation of 30,000 runners, the Nairobi Traffic Department has formulated a detailed traffic management plan aimed at minimising disruption and maintaining a steady flow of vehicles.
Between midnight and 12:10 pm, motorists will be redirected through alternative routes to accommodate the closures. Motorists travelling from Kikuyu will access Dagoretti via the Southern Bypass, while those coming from Karen will use the Bypass to reach Kikuyu through Dagoretti Road. Drivers from Karen Shopping Centre heading to Kikuyu are advised to take Dagoretti Road, while those bound for Mombasa Road should use Lang’ata Road. Motorists travelling from Galleria Mall to Kikuyu will use Dagoretti Road via Lang’ata Road, and those heading to Mombasa Road will take Uhuru Highway through Lang’ata Road.
Vehicles from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) going to Kikuyu via the Southern Bypass will be diverted through Waiyaki Way, either via Mombasa Road or Uhuru Highway. Drivers from Mombasa Road will access Emara Ole Sereni through Nextgen Mall, while motorists using the Southern Bypass from Likoni Road heading towards Mombasa Road will be redirected to Enterprise Road.
The extended closure lasting until 1:30 pm will affect motorists travelling from Kikuyu to Mombasa Road via the Southern Bypass. They are advised to use Waiyaki Way, Ngong Road, or Mbagathi Way instead. Motorists driving from Lenana (Ngong Road) to Kikuyu should use Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road, while those travelling from Lenana to Mombasa Road are advised to use Lang’ata Road through Karen Road. Heavy vehicles and trailers destined for Mombasa Road via the Southern Bypass are also directed to use Waiyaki Way.
Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir, during a press briefing on marathon preparedness, assured the public that adequate measures have been implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced safety. ‘We have worked closely with the marathon organisers to ensure minimal inconvenience for motorists and residents. The alternative routes have been carefully selected to maintain steady movement while enabling thousands of runners to enjoy a safe and memorable race experience,’ said Commandant Chirchir.
The Local Organising Committee Chairperson, David Mwindi, said this year’s marathon has been meticulously planned to provide an even better experience for both runners and spectators. ‘From expanded finish areas and improved hydration points to better flow management and staffing, every enhancement is designed to make the event smoother, safer, and more enjoyable,’ Mwindi said.
The marathon features seven race categories: the full marathon, half marathon, 10km race, 21km wheelchair race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge, and Corporate Challenge. This diversity reflects the event’s inclusive spirit, bringing together elite athletes, families, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts. Mwindi added that several upgrades will enhance the race-day experience. For the first time, elite runners in the full 42km marathon will have an exclusive finish-line channel. Meanwhile, the 21km and 10km races will finish at different points within Uhuru Gardens to ease congestion.
Additionally, the runner walk-off zone has been expanded by 30 percent to improve flow and safety. The medal and hydration teams have been reinforced with additional personnel to ensure timely service. A new photo-finish zone will be set up just after the finish line to allow runners to capture high-quality photos without obstructing the flow of participants.
The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon promises to be a landmark event, blending athletic excellence, community participation, and a celebration of health and fitness.