Nairobi Expressway./FILE
The Nairobi Expressway has resumed normal operations following the successful conclusion of the Nairobi City Marathon, ending temporary disruptions that had been put in place to facilitate the annual sporting event.
In a brief update issued on Sunday, Moja Expressway Company confirmed that traffic had returned to normal on the expressway after the marathon was completed.
“Normal operations have resumed on the Nairobi Expressway after the successful edition of the Nairobi City Marathon,” the company said.
The announcement marked the end of traffic restrictions that were implemented to allow thousands of runners to safely participate in the marathon, one of the capital's largest road races.
The temporary closure of sections of the expressway and adjoining roads is a standard requirement during the event to ensure the safety of participants and smooth management of the race.
With normal operations now restored, motorists can once again access the expressway without the restrictions that were in place during the marathon.
The Nairobi City Marathon has grown into one of Kenya's major road racing events, attracting both local and international participants. The event is also viewed as an important platform for promoting sports tourism and highlighting Nairobi as a destination for global athletics competitions.
Participants and spectators at the Nairobi City Marathon were treated to an unusual sight on Sunday after a robot joined thousands of runners for one of the country's premier road races.
The humanoid robot, wearing race bib number 17229, quickly became one of the biggest attractions at the event, drawing curious glances from athletes and onlookers alike as it warmed up alongside competitors ahead of the race.
Many runners paused their pre-race routines to take photographs and videos of the machine, which appeared to mimic some of the stretching and warm-up exercises being undertaken by participants.
Its presence added a futuristic touch to the annual marathon and sparked conversations about the growing role of technology in sports and everyday life.
The robot's appearance generated significant excitement at the starting area, where crowds gathered to get a closer look. Some athletes were seen posing for photos with the machine while others expressed amazement at seeing a robot participate in a major sporting event.
Moja Expressway Company thanked road users for their patience and cooperation during the period of traffic adjustments necessitated by the marathon.
The restoration of normal traffic flow is expected to bring relief to commuters and transport operators who had adjusted their travel plans to accommodate the race-day restrictions.
Earlier motorists in Nairobi had been advised to prepare for major traffic disruptions this weekend.
According to a public notice issued ahead of the event, the road closures were to begin at midnight on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and remain in force until Sunday, June 7, afternoon, affecting major transport corridors within the city.
Among the roads set to be affected is the Nairobi Motorway, where traffic will be suspended in both directions between James Gichuru Road and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The closure on the expressway was to commence at 10 pm on Saturday and continue until 3 pm on Sunday.
The notice further indicated that sections of Waiyaki Way will also be affected, with only the inner lanes on both sides of the highway closed.
The affected stretch runs from Nairobi School to the entrance of the Nairobi Expressway.
Motorists using Uhuru Highway were to also face disruptions, with both directions between Lusaka Roundabout and Museum Hill closed from midnight on Sunday until 4 pm.
Kenyatta Avenue was to be inaccessible between Panafric Hotel and Moi Avenue during the same period, while Haile Selassie Avenue would be closed between Cathedral Road and Uhuru Highway.
Other roads that were expected to be affected included Processional Way, City Hall Way, Simba Street and several adjacent roads within the central business district.
