KeNHA to Temporarily Shut Down Section of Mombasa Road for World AIDS Day Half Marathon
This year’s marathon is being run under the theme “One Race, One Goal: Ending AIDS among Adolescents and Young People.”
A section of Mombasa Road near the Capital Center in Nairobi. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
KeNHA has given a public notice for the planned closure of a key section of Mombasa Road (A8) this coming Sunday, November 30. The shutdown that will include the stretch between Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout to Museum Hill Interchange is scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli explained in an announcement on Tuesday, November 25, that the temporary disruption would provide for a smooth running of a 21-kilometre half marathon organized in respect of World AIDS Day, 2025. The authority insists the safety of participants and road users shall be paramount as preparations gear up to mark the day annually.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-11-19-kenha-announces-temporary-closure-of-eldoret-bypass-for-cycling-eventhave been advised to plan their travel and strictly adhere to the traffic management plan that will be in place on race day. Police officers, along with trained traffic marshals, will be deployed at various locations along the route to guide drivers and control the movement of vehicles around the closed section.
“KeNHA wishes to notify the public that a section of Mombasa Road will experience temporary interruption on Sunday, November 30,” Kimeli said in the statement. He added that the closure is necessary for the half marathon taking place as part of World AIDS Day events. “We advise motorists to cooperate with traffic officers and marshals on the ground and to adhere to the diversion plan provided.”
World AIDS Day, held globally on December 1 of every year, is the time to remember those who died from HIV/AIDS, raise awareness about the disease, and acknowledge advances made in prevention, treatment, and advocacy. It is also a time when communities come together in solidarity with those affected, their caregivers, and families.
This year’s marathon is being run under the theme “One Race, One Goal: Ending AIDS among Adolescents and Young People.” The theme emphasizes Kenya’s sustained efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with particular emphasis on protection and support for young people aged 15–24, who remain disproportionately affected.
In addition to the flagship 21-kilometre race, the World AIDS Day event will host a variety of activities for every group. Among them will be a family fun run, children’s races, wheelchair racing, corporate categories, and even a CEO special race, to broaden participation and create awareness.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga added that the marathon, for which registration is ongoing on the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) website, was important because through this initiative, people are not only encouraged to engage in physical activity but also brought into the limelight on important issues facing the country. He noted that these issues include increased cases of new HIV infections among the youth, adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and the war against gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies. The event is the latest collaborative initiative between government bodies, health organizations, and the general public in solidarity with the country’s vision of zero deaths due to AIDS by 2030.
About Author
