KeNHA Announces One-Month Partial Closure of Waiyaki Way Between GTC and Kempinski
KeNHA said the closure is unavoidable as its engineers need to work on the road surface and drainage along one of Nairobi’s most congested corridors.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will partially close a section of Waiyaki Way for 32 days to carry out major maintenance works on the busy highway.
In a public notice dated July 24, 2026, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli said the closure will affect the Mombasa-bound carriageway of the A8 Road, specifically the stretch between GTC Towers and Kempinski in Westlands.
The works will begin on Friday, July 31, 2026, and end on Monday, August 31, 2026.
KeNHA said the closure is unavoidable as its engineers need to work on the road surface and drainage along one of Nairobi’s most congested corridors.
“This closure is to allow for highway maintenance works on the road section,” the Authority said in the notice.
The highway links Nairobi CBD to Westlands, Loresho, Kangemi and the greater Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit corridor, carrying thousands of private cars, matatus and heavy commercial vehicles daily.
KeNHA clarified that Waiyaki Way will not be fully closed. Motorists will still be able to use the lanes that remain open, but traffic flow will be controlled through a temporary management plan.
To avoid heavy jams, the Authority is advising drivers to use alternative routes where possible.
“All motorists intending to use Waiyaki Way during this period will utilise the unclosed sections of this road as well as consider using alternative routes to ensure minimal traffic disruption,” KeNHA stated.
During the construction period, drivers will be required to obey all temporary signage, speed restrictions and diversions. Police officers and trained traffic marshals will be stationed at the site to direct traffic day and night.
“Motorists are further advised to follow the proposed traffic management plan as well as cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site,” the notice added.
KeNHA said safety of both road users and construction workers is the priority, and the traffic measures have been designed to allow works to proceed safely without completely cutting off access.
“Normal traffic operations on the road will be restored upon completion of the works,” the Authority assured.
The advance notice is meant to give motorists, logistics companies and public transport operators time to adjust their schedules. Because Waiyaki Way feeds directly into the Nairobi Expressway, James Gichuru Road, Chiromo Lane and Waiyaki Way Upper, even minor lane reductions often spill over to Ring Road Westlands, Mpaka Road and Rhapta Road.
KeNHA urged commuters to leave early, allow extra travel time, carpool where possible, and follow its official website and social media pages for real-time updates during the month-long exercise.
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