Motorists using Waiyaki Way are set to face significant traffic disruptions after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced a three-month partial closure of a section of the busy highway in Nairobi.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, KeNHA said the affected section is located on the Nakuru-bound carriageway between Karuna Close and Westlands Roundabout. The partial closure will take effect on June 25, 2026, and remain in place until September 25, 2026.
According to the authority, the closure is necessary to facilitate the extension of the existing pedestrian footbridge at Dunhill Towers and the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge linking the Fogo Gaucho and QuickMart Westlands area. The projects are part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety along one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority notifies the public that a section of Waiyaki Way (A8) Road from Karuna Close and Westlands Roundabout on the Nakuru-bound carriageway will be partially closed from Thursday, June 25, 2026, to Friday, September 25, 2026,” KeNHA said in its notice.
To minimize disruptions, traffic will be diverted through the existing service lane during the construction period. However, commuters have been warned to expect delays, particularly during peak hours, as thousands of vehicles use the highway daily to connect Nairobi’s Central Business District, Westlands, Kangemi, and the wider Nairobi-Nakuru highway corridor.
KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section and comply with all temporary traffic signs and control measures that will be put in place throughout the construction period. The authority also called on road users to cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals who will be deployed on-site to help manage traffic flow.
The infrastructure upgrade comes amid a broader push by road agencies to enhance pedestrian safety in Nairobi, where major highways have witnessed numerous accidents involving pedestrians attempting to cross busy roads. Authorities believe the new and expanded footbridges will provide safer crossing points and help reduce road fatalities in the long term.
The closure is expected to affect businesses, public transport operators, and daily commuters who rely on Waiyaki Way, one of the capital’s most important transport arteries. Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes where possible.
While the temporary inconvenience is likely to cause frustration among road users, KeNHA maintains that the works are necessary to improve safety and support Nairobi’s growing transport infrastructure needs. Once completed, the upgraded pedestrian facilities are expected to enhance mobility and safety for thousands of residents, workers, and visitors who use the Westlands corridor every day.
