Traffic restored on Southern Bypass after overturned oil tanker removed

Traffic that had built up on the Kikuyu-bound Southern Bypass after an oil tanker overturned and blocked the highway, July 5, 2025. /SCREENGRAB

Traffic flow has been restored along the Kikuyu-bound lane of the Nairobi Southern Bypass between the Virtual Weighbridge and Ngong Interchange following the successful removal of an overturned oil tanker that had caused a temporary closure of the road.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced the reopening on Saturday evening, some three hours after issuing a public notice on the temporary closure of the busy highway section.

The closure was enforced after a fuel tanker overturned, spilling oil onto the road surface and blocking traffic.

In its earlier statement, KeNHA had urged motorists to use Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway as alternative routes while emergency crews worked to clear the scene.

The authority expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and cited safety concerns as the reason for the temporary shutdown.

In a follow-up update, KeNHA confirmed that the tanker had been removed and the spillage cleared, allowing normal traffic to resume.

“Motorists are, however, advised to approach the section with caution and cooperate with the police and traffic marshals on site,” the agency said.

Safety personnel remain stationed in the area to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The incident had disrupted traffic earlier in the day, forcing motorists to use alternative routes as clean-up operations got underway.

Emergency teams were promptly dispatched to manage the scene and ensure public safety, while efforts were made to prevent further risk from the hazardous spill.

The incident once again highlights the critical role of rapid emergency response and coordination among road agencies in managing accidents on key transport corridors.

KeNHA thanked the public for their patience and cooperation and reiterated its commitment to keeping the national road network safe and operational.

It was the second major traffic disruption of the day following the closure of a section of the Nairobi-bound lane on Mombasa Road between Simba Colt and the Southern Bypass Interchange at Ole Sereni hotel for repairs.

The section of the road will remain closed until Saturday, July 12, with traffic above 3.5 tonnes and other motorists heading to the Southern Bypass diverted at Kyang'ombe slip road through the Old Mombasa Road.

Other motorists will use a single lane provided along the affected section.