Nairobi motorists are bracing for a week of traffic chaos as KeNHA announces an eight-day closure of a critical artery on Uhuru Highway, forcing thousands to navigate a maze of alternative routes.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has dropped a bombshell on Nairobi’s commuters, announcing a comprehensive closure of the Uhuru Highway section stretching from the University of Nairobi Roundabout to the Westlands Roundabout. The closure, which is slated to last for eight consecutive days, is necessitated by "essential maintenance works." For a city that already teeters on the brink of gridlock daily, this announcement is less of an advisory and more of a warning shot.

The Anatomy of the Disruption

The timing could not be more critical. This section of the highway is the jugular vein of the city, connecting the CBD to the affluent suburbs of Westlands and beyond. KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and patience, a commodity that is often in short supply during Nairobi’s rush hour. The authority has mapped out diversions, but seasoned drivers know that when one major artery is clamped, the pressure inevitably bursts the capillaries of the surrounding feeder roads.

Specific alternative routes have been listed, but the ripple effect is expected to paralyze adjacent roads including University Way, Murang’a Road, and Kipande Road. "We are asking for cooperation," a KeNHA spokesperson stated, "these works are painful but necessary to ensure the longevity of the corridor." However, for the average Wananchi relying on Matatus, this translates to longer commutes and likely fare hikes.

• Affected Zone: University of Nairobi Roundabout to Westlands Roundabout.
• Duration: 8 Days, starting immediately.
• Driver Advisory: Expect heavy delays; use Waiyaki Way or the Expressway if possible, though congestion is expected at exit points.

Survival of the Fittest

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys well in advance or seek alternative modes of transport. The closure is a stark reminder of Nairobi’s fragile infrastructure network, where a single repair job can bring the capital to a standstill. As the excavators move in, the city holds its breath.

KeNHA promises a better road at the end of the tunnel, but for the next eight days, the price will be paid in lost hours and frayed tempers on the tarmac.