Kumbe the Southern Bypass is getting a timeout this May 10 — KeNHA just announced a partial closure to make room for the 2026 Nairobi Marathon, and sawa, if you're planning to cruise that route on Sunday, better start mapping out your plan B.

The Road Gets a Rest Day

Picture this: Sunday, May 10, 2026. You're ready to zip down the Southern Bypass and suddenly — boom — KeNHA has locked down the stretch between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang'ata Road from 6am to 1pm. Aki, why? Because thousands of marathon runners will be pounding the pavement for the 2026 Nairobi Marathon, that's why. The authority dropped the announcement on Tuesday, May 5, giving motorists a solid heads-up to prepare their alternative routes. Smart move, innit?

The Nairobi Marathon isn't your average "jog around the block" affair — this event is massive. We're talking full marathons, half-marathons, 10K, and 5K races all running simultaneously through the city's major arteries. Every year, thousands of fitness enthusiasts and charity warriors lace up their kicks and turn Nairobi's streets into one giant running carnival. Ndio, that's why they need prime real estate like the Southern Bypass.

Your Alternative Routes Are Ready

Don't stress, bana. KeNHA has already sorted you out with a backup plan. If you need to move from Ole Sereni to Lang'ata on that Sunday, just take Mombasa Road (A8) from Ole Sereni Interchange to Nyayo National Stadium roundabout, then link up to Lang'ata Road. It's a bit of a detour, sure, but si uone — it beats sitting in gridlock while someone runs a marathon near you.

The authority is also deploying police officers and traffic marshals along the affected route to manage traffic and keep everyone safe. So expect heavy police presence, proper traffic control, and officers who might actually know what they're doing. Plus, if you cooperate with them, you might just sail through faster.

Plan Ahead or Get Left Behind

This is where Kenyans' famous last-minute scrambling doesn't apply, fam. KeNHA gave five days' notice before May 10 — that's plenty of time to adjust your Sunday plans. Whether you're heading to Lang'ata, coming from Ole Sereni, or just passing through, screenshot that alternative route and set your GPS accordingly. Sijui why so many people still ignore these announcements and then act shocked when they're stuck.

Mark your calendar, tell your driver, update your family group chat — whatever it takes. The Nairobi Marathon deserves the space to run properly, and Nairobi deserves streets that aren't clogged with confused motorists on that day.

The Jukwaa Take: KeNHA gave you the warning, gave you the alternative route, and gave you plenty of time — now it's on you to not be that person stuck on the bypass wondering why nobody told you.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke