KeNHA announces temporary closure of a section of Mombasa-Nairobi Highway

The Makupa Bridge-Kibarani-Changamwe Interchange section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway in Mombasa County./FILE

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of a key section of the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.

The road will be closed between Makupa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange, starting Tuesday through Saturday this week.

In a public notice, KeNHA stated that the closure is necessary to facilitate ongoing road construction and drainage improvement works, which are part of a broader plan to enhance connectivity and safety along the critical corridor.

“KeNHA advises motorists to follow the proposed traffic management plan and cooperate with police and traffic marshals on site,” the statement read.

The authority emphasised that the short-term disruption is aimed at achieving seamless road connectivity between the island and mainland sections of Mombasa, a region notorious for traffic congestion and periodic flooding.

This latest closure extends earlier restrictions implemented in August, when KeNHA announced a two-week partial closure of the same stretch, citing similar reasons.

That phase of work began on August 23 and was initially scheduled to end by September 7, 2025.

The Makupa–Changamwe section is considered one of the most strategic transport corridors in the country. It serves as a primary gateway for goods entering and leaving the Port of Mombasa, making it vital for Kenya’s import-export economy and regional trade.

In addition to commercial freight, the road also supports high volumes of commuter and passenger traffic, linking Mombasa Island to mainland towns and beyond.

As part of the A109 Mombasa–Nairobi Highway, the section plays a crucial role in connecting the coastal region to Kenya’s interior and neighboring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Delays or disruptions along this corridor can have ripple effects across supply chains, trade logistics, tourism, and local commuting.

KeNHA has, however, assured the public that the project will be executed efficiently, with minimal inconvenience, and called on all road users to exercise patience and cooperation during the construction period.

The authority has not indicated whether further closures will follow, but ongoing upgrades are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure in the region.