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Road Closed! KeNHA issues alternative routes after tanker explodes into fire along Southern Bypass
24th January, 2026 12:54 PM
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has urged motorists to avoid using the Southern Bypass following a traffic accident involving two oil tankers along the Southern Bypass.
In a post on KeNHA’s official X account on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the State Corporation announced that the traffic accident involving a lorry and an oil tanker resulted in a fire outbreak along the highway.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public of a serious traffic incident involving two oil tankers along the Southern Bypass (Mombasa Road bound), which has resulted in a fire outbreak,” KeNHA said.
According to KeNHA, the Saturday morning incident involved one fuel tanker fall from the Southern Bypass onto the lower road, bursting into flames, presenting a significant fire and explosion risk.
“Following the accident, one fuel tanker reportedly fell from the Southern Bypass onto the lower road and burst into flames, presenting a significant fire and explosion risk. Consequently, the Southern Bypass has been temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and ensure public safety,” KeNHA added.
Traffic disruption
Meanwhile, the authority has confirmed that fire and emergency services are currently on site undertaking containment and safety operations, while traffic police have secured the area.
“Fire and emergency services are currently on site undertaking containment and safety operations, while traffic police have secured the area. Traffic disruption is expected to continue until the situation is fully brought under control,” KeNHA explained.
Motorists are therefore advised to avoid the Southern Bypass until further notice. While road users seeking to access Mombasa Road are advised to divert via Lang’ata Road.
On the other end, motorists are advised to use alternative routes and anticipate traffic delays on surrounding roads. While members of the public are strongly cautioned against approaching the incident scene, as fuel fires pose extreme danger.
Likewise, motorists are urged to strictly follow directions issued by traffic police and emergency responders. Similarly, residents and road users in the vicinity have been asked to remain alert to smoke, restricted movement, and emergency operations.
“KeNHA regrets the inconvenience caused and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to restore safety and normal traffic operations as soon as possible, and further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves,” KeNHA said.
