Traffic snarl-up as oil tanker overturns on Southern Bypass

First responders work to clear the oil spill on the Kikuyu-bound Southern Bypass, July 5, 2025. /SCREENGRAB

Motorists intending to use the Nairobi Southern Bypass have been notified of disruptions following the closure of the Kikuyu-bound lane after an oil tanker overturned on the highway.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Saturday announced the temporary closure of the section between the Virtual Weighbridge and the Ngong Interchange, saying the overturned tanker had blocked traffic passage.

"This is due to an oil tanker that has overturned on the road, blocking traffic passage," the agency said in a statement posted on X.

 As emergency crews work to clear the oil spillage, KeNHA has advised motorists to seek alternative routes, including Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway, to avoid delays.

The authority further urged all road users to cooperate with police and traffic marshals on site to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the clean-up operation.

No injuries or casualties were reported immediately, but the incident caused heavy congestion on surrounding roads.

Heavy traffic on the Kikuyu-bound Southern Bypass after an oil tanker overturned, July 5, 2025. /SCREENGRAB

It is the second major traffic disruption following the closure of a section of Mombasa Road between FUSO (Simba Colt) and the Southern Bypass at the Ole Sereni Interchange earlier on Saturday.

 KeNHA said the week-long closure will end on Saturday, July 12, to facilitate essential highway maintenance works along the busy A8 Road corridor.

Heavy vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes and motorists headed to the Southern Bypass are being diverted to exit the main highway at the Kyang’ombe Slip Road through Old Mombasa Road.

Other vehicles will use a single traffic lane provided along the affected stretch.

The closure is likely to result in increased congestion, especially during peak hours, along the Nairobi-bound lanes of Mombasa Road.

KeNHA Director General Eng Kungu Ndung’u urged road users to exercise caution around the repair zone and follow traffic management directions issued by on-site officers and marshals.

Nairobi motorists should also brace for another traffic disruption as major roads in the city will be closed this Sunday, July 6, to facilitate the Nairobi City Marathon.

Several key routes will be closed to vehicular traffic from 10 pm Saturday through Sunday afternoon.