The disruption is set to begin on Thursday, August 29, 2024, and continue until Monday, October 7, 2024.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary traffic disruption of huge significance at the Gitaru Interchange and Southern Bypass to Western Bypass, which will affect motorists transitioning between Nairobi and Nakuru.
The disruption is set to begin on Thursday, August 29, 2024, and continue until Monday, October 7, 2024.
In a notice on Friday, August 23, KeNHA explained that the traffic disruption is due to scheduled road works for the construction of the Southeastern loop of Gitaru Interchange, which is currently ongoing.
This is part of a broader infrastructure development initiative aimed at improving traffic flow in and around Nairobi.
Notice to motorists regarding upcoming temporary traffic disruption at the Gitaru interchange. /KENHA
The Gitaru interchange connects some of the city’s most vital transportation routes, and the planned works are expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the long term.
Following this, KeNHA issued the below directives with regard to changes in traffic flow:
Vehicles from Nakuru to Southern Bypass will turn at Regen/Magana Interchange three kilometres from Gitaru Interchange and proceed to Southern Bypass.
Further, vehicles from the Western Bypass to Nairobi/Waiyaki Way will use the Slip Road at Kwa Magu underpass to Gitaru Market, then proceed to Mlango Soko and the Slip Road joining at Rungiri.
Vehicles from Nairobi to Ndenderu will turn at Muguku Interchange and proceed to Western Bypass.
Vehicles from the Southern Bypass to Nairobi will turn left at the Slip Road and take the U-turn to Nairobi /Waiyaki Way.
“Vehicles from Southern Bypass to Western Bypass, Western Bypass to Southern Bypass, Nakuru/Mai Mahiu to Western Bypass, Nairobi to Southern Bypass shall not be disrupted,” stated KeNHA in part.
The temporary traffic management measures are designed to minimize inconvenience while ensuring the safety of road users during the construction period.
KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic marshals who will be deployed to assist in managing the flow of vehicles through the affected areas.
This infrastructure project is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to address Nairobi’s chronic traffic congestion, which has long been a source of frustration for residents and visitors alike.
Upon completion, the improved interchange is expected to significantly reduce travel times and enhance the efficiency of transport within the city and its environs.
The public is advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay informed of any further updates from KeNHA as the work progresses.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of an inspection tour by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and the former Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, alongside the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir.
