The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has formally announced a significant 23-day traffic disruption on a section of Ngong Road, one of Nairobi's primary transport arteries. In a public notice issued on Thursday, 6 November 2025, the authority stated the disruption will commence on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, and conclude on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. The interruption is necessary to facilitate the erection of a steel super-structure for the new flyover being constructed at the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road junction near The Junction Mall.

According to the notice signed by KURA Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti, the construction activities will be restricted to nighttime hours, running from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM daily, with the exception of Sundays. During these hours, traffic flow will be managed through diversions. The affected section lies between the Nairobi City County Training School and the Kenya Science Campus, where measures will be implemented to accommodate two-way traffic. KURA has urged motorists to exercise caution when approaching the construction zone and to adhere to all traffic signs and instructions from police and traffic marshals who will be deployed to the site.

Project Scope and Regional Impact

This phase of construction is a critical component of the Ngong Road Flyover Project, a major undertaking designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in the area. The project, which commenced in September 2024, involves the construction of a four-lane flyover, improved junctions, dedicated walkways, and cycling lanes. Funded by a KSh 3.58 billion concessional loan from the Spanish Corporate International Fund (FIEM), the flyover is a key part of the government's broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and support economic growth. Upon its scheduled completion in July 2027, the infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce travel times for thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles connecting the city centre with populous residential areas like Dagoretti, Karen, and Ngong town.

The construction also aligns with other major infrastructure developments in the city, including the development of Talanta Stadium, as the flyover will improve access to the new national venue. This disruption represents a short-term inconvenience for a long-term strategic gain, fitting into KURA's mandate to manage, develop, and maintain national urban roads to support Kenya's Vision 2030 development blueprint.

Economic Context: The Cost of Congestion

The urgency for projects like the Ngong Road flyover is underscored by the severe economic toll of traffic congestion on Nairobi's economy. According to data from KURA and the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), traffic gridlocks cost the Kenyan economy billions of shillings annually in lost productivity, wasted fuel, and increased transport costs. A 2014 government estimate suggested a daily loss of KSh 50 million, while more recent analyses indicate the figure could be much higher, with some reports citing that traffic congestion costs the economy approximately $1 billion (KSh 129 billion) each year. These daily delays impact everything from business efficiency and delivery logistics to the personal well-being of commuters, making infrastructure upgrades a national economic priority.

While the three-week disruption will undoubtedly add to the daily frustrations of motorists, authorities frame it as a necessary step toward a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system. The project's inclusion of non-motorized transport options like walkways and cycling lanes also reflects a growing policy shift towards people-focused urban planning, aiming to create a safer and more inclusive city for all residents.

Motorists who frequent the area are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, allow for extra travel time, or use alternative routes where possible during the specified construction hours.