The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of a key section of Uhuru Highway (A8) in Nairobi to facilitate maintenance works.
The affected stretch, between the University of Nairobi Roundabout and the Westlands Roundabout, will be closed every night from Friday, February 6, 2026, to Friday, February 13, 2026, between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.
The closure was officially communicated in a notice signed by KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli.
According to the authority, the measure is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists while repair and maintenance activities are carried out on this heavily trafficked route.
“Normal traffic operations on the road will be restored upon completion of the works,” the notice stated.
Uhuru Highway is a critical artery connecting Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Westlands and other northern suburbs, carrying thousands of vehicles daily.
The night closure is expected to affect both private motorists and public service vehicles, making alternative routes a key consideration for commuters and transport operators.
KeNHA has outlined several diversion routes to minimise disruption.
Motorists heading towards Chiromo Road and Nakuru can use Nyerere Road, Arboretum Drive, Westlands Ring Road, and the Nairobi Expressway.
“Further, Motorists intending to join Uhuru Highway (A8 road)- Mombasa bound, can use alternative routes such as Parklands Ring road, Ojijo road, Kipande road, Limuru road, University way and the Nairobi expressway,” the notice reads.
Motorists have been urged to strictly adhere to the traffic management plan and cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals deployed along the affected routes.
Authorities emphasised that the measures are temporary but critical to ensure long-term road safety and smooth traffic flow in the city.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about traffic congestion and infrastructure maintenance in Nairobi.
Uhuru Highway, being one of the main thoroughfares connecting the CBD to residential and commercial hubs, has been prone to wear and tear due to heavy vehicular usage.
KeNHA has provided a customer care line (0700 423 606) and email (complaints@kenha.co.ke) for inquiries.
The authority also reminded the public that safety remains a shared responsibility, emphasising, “#RoadSafety Starts With You.”
This comes even as KeNHA formally began extensive road improvement works along the routes linking JKIA to ABC Place in Westlands, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing traffic congestion.
The works include capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification along the 27-kilometre stretch.
The authority said the works on capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification along the James Gichuru – JKIA (A8/B10) Highway are ongoing in earnest.
by JAMES GICHIGI
