Nairobi motorists, brace yourselves. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the immediate closure of critical sections of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue, triggering fears of a traffic apocalypse in the Central Business District (CBD).

The closure, effective tonight, is to facilitate "emergency structural maintenance" on the aging highway, which serves as the city’s main artery. While KeNHA has promised to expedite the works, the timing—smack in the middle of the back-to-school rush and the rainy season—has drawn sharp criticism from transport stakeholders.

The Affected Zones

The diversions are specific and will affect thousands of daily commuters:

• The Chokepoints: The primary closure affects the Haile Selassie Roundabout and the stretches leading up to the University Way overpass. This is the heart of Nairobi’s traffic flow.
• Night Works: KeNHA advises that most heavy machinery work will occur between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM to minimize impact. However, lane narrowing during the day is expected to cause tailbacks stretching to Westlands and Mombasa Road.

Survival Guide

"We urge motorists to use alternative routes," the KeNHA statement read, a phrase that often elicits groans from drivers who know "alternative routes" in Nairobi usually means sitting in traffic on a different road. Suggested diversions include Procession Way and Lower Hill Road, but with the Expressway exits already congested, the CBD is likely to become a parking lot for the next 72 hours.

For the Matatu sector, this means fewer trips and potentially hiked fares. Commuters are advised to plan for an extra hour of travel time or use the commuter rail where possible.