Mombasa Road partial closure: How to navigate traffic during 30-day period
By Valerian Khakayi, August 4, 2026Motorists using Mombasa Road should prepare for slower journeys during the 30-day partial closure near the Highway Educational Complex at Bellevue.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), a section of Mombasa Road (A8) on both bound lanes will be temporarily and interchangeably closed from Monday, August 10, 2026, to Monday, September 14, 2026.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) notifies the public that a section of Mombasa Road (A8) at the Highway Educational Complex near Bellevue, on both bound lanes, will be temporarily and interchangeably closed from Monday, August 10, 2026, to Monday, September 14, 2026,” KeNHA announced.
How to navigate the 30-day closure
In the public advisory, KeNHA said traffic will continue flowing through the remaining lanes throughout the construction period.
“All motorists using this road section will utilise the unclosed two lanes, which shall be provided interchangeably during the construction period to minimise traffic,” the roads authority said.
However,if you regularly use the busy highway to access Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the Nairobi Expressway or the Industrial Area, planning your journey in advance can help minimise delays.
To make their journeys easier during the closure, motorists are advised to travel outside peak hours by leaving earlier in the morning or after the evening rush to avoid heavy congestion.
They should also allow extra travel time, especially when heading to work, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or other appointments, to cater for possible delays. Depending on their destination, drivers can consider alternative routes such as the Nairobi Expressway, Southern Bypass or Outer Ring Road when traffic builds up.
Motorists are also encouraged to follow directions from police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the construction site to ensure traffic flows safely and smoothly, while checking navigation apps and official traffic updates before setting off to identify the quickest available route.
Reasons for partial closure
KeNHA said the temporary closure is necessary to facilitate the construction of a box culvert along the affected section of the highway.
“This closure is to allow for construction of a box culvert on this road section,” the roads authority said.
The drainage improvement works are expected to enhance stormwater flow and reduce the risk of flooding along the busy highway once completed.