Standard Chartered Bank has announced road closures and traffic diversions ahead of the 22nd Nairobi Marathon scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025.
With an expected 30,000 runners, the race will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens. Authorities have put in place comprehensive traffic management measures to safeguard participants and minimize disruption to the city.
In a statement released on Thursday said the marathon will begin at Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata Road and feature scenic routes through the Southern Bypass, offering participants a view of the Nairobi National Park.
Organisers confirmed that road closures will take effect from 12:00 midnight to 1:30 pm on race day to facilitate smooth operations and ensure safety.
The marathon will include seven race categories: the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km race, 21km wheelchair race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge, and Corporate Challenge.
The Nairobi Traffic Department has also developed a comprehensive plan to maintain a steady traffic flow while minimising disruptions to residents and motorists.
Between midnight and 12:10 pm, motorists will be diverted through alternative routes.
Motorists from Kikuyu heading to Dagoretti will use the Southern Bypass, while those from Karen will access Kikuyu via Dagoretti Road.
Drivers travelling from Karen Shopping Centre to Mombasa Road will use Lang’ata Road, while those from Galleria Mall heading to Kikuyu will take Dagoretti Road through Lang’ata Road.
Vehicles from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) will use Waiyaki Way via Mombasa Road or Uhuru Highway.
Drivers from Mombasa Road will access Emara Ole Sereni through Nextgen Mall, while motorists using the Southern Bypass from Likoni Road will connect to Mombasa Road through Enterprise Road.
The extended closure up to 1:30 pm will affect motorists travelling from Kikuyu to Mombasa Road via the Southern Bypass.
Alternative routes include Waiyaki Way, Ngong Road, and Mbagathi Way. Those from Lenana (Ngong Road) to Kikuyu will take Waiyaki Way via Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road, while those heading to Mombasa Road will use Lang’ata Road via Karen Road.
Heavy vehicles heading to Mombasa Road are also advised to use Waiyaki Way.
Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir assured the public that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure minimal inconvenience.
“We have worked closely with the marathon organisers to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety. The alternative routes have been carefully chosen to maintain steady movement while allowing thousands of runners to enjoy a safe and memorable race experience,” he said.
David Mwindi, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, said this year’s marathon had been redesigned to improve the race experience for both runners and spectators.
He noted enhancements such as expanded finish areas, improved hydration points, and additional staff to improve efficiency and safety.
Among the upgrades are an exclusive finish-line channel for elite runners in the 42km category, separate finish points for the 21km and 10km races to reduce congestion, and an expanded runner walk-off zone by 30 per cent to enhance movement.
Additionally, a new photo-finish area will allow runners to take pictures without obstructing the course.
The event will also feature attractive cash prizes, with winners in the full marathon category set to receive Sh2 million, while half-marathon and wheelchair race winners will take home Sh300,000 each.
The marathon’s first race, the 21km wheelchair category, will start at 5:45 am, followed by the 42km full marathon at 6:00 am, the 21km half marathon at 7:20 am, the 10km race at 9:00 am, and the 5km Family Fun Run at 10:00 am.
As part of the event’s commitment to inclusivity, the marathon continues to bring together elite athletes, families, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts under the theme of community, resilience, and unity.
