Moja Expressway: Nairobi Expressway Westlands Traffic Diversion to Waiyaki Way

• Motorists heading to the Nairobi Expressway Westlands entrance from the James Gichuru Junction must use the lower A8 road (Waiyaki Way) due to a temporary diversion.
• The Nairobi Expressway Westlands traffic diversion has been in effect since 8 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and will conclude by noon on Monday, September 21, 2026.
• The Moja Expressway Company issued the notice, citing planned maintenance and construction works on the elevated overpass as the reason.
• Traffic marshals will guide motorists, and drivers are advised to exercise caution and allow extra travel time.
• The expressway's daily traffic volume has increased significantly, averaging 67,298 vehicles in the 2024/25 financial year, up from 11,000 at its inception.

Motorists planning to access the Nairobi Expressway's Westlands entrance from the James Gichuru Junction should prepare for a significant Nairobi Expressway Westlands traffic diversion this weekend.

Motorists planning to access the Nairobi Expressway's Westlands entrance from the James Gichuru Junction should prepare for a significant Nairobi Expressway Westlands traffic diversion this weekend. Commuters will be required to use the lower A8 road, specifically Waiyaki Way, as an alternative route due to scheduled maintenance and construction activities on the elevated overpass.

This temporary traffic arrangement commenced at 8 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and is expected to conclude by noon on Monday, September 21, 2026. During this period, drivers heading towards the Central Business District (CBD) will be unable to utilize the elevated overpass deck to gain entry to the Westlands section of the expressway. Instead, they will be guided onto the designated lower A8 road to navigate the affected area.

However, there is a partial resumption of normal service for other traffic flows. Outbound vehicles exiting the Nairobi Expressway and proceeding towards the overpass will experience regular operations starting earlier, from 5 PM on Saturday. This phased approach aims to manage the flow of James Gichuru Junction traffic while essential works are carried out.

The Moja Expressway Company, responsible for the expressway's operations, issued the notice detailing these Waiyaki Way traffic changes. The company emphasizes that the diversion is necessary for planned maintenance and construction works on the elevated overpass, ensuring the long-term integrity and safety of the infrastructure. To facilitate a smooth flow, traffic marshals will be strategically positioned along the lower A8 road to direct motorists and minimize potential congestion.

Motorists are strongly advised to exercise heightened caution and strictly adhere to all directions provided by the traffic marshals. Furthermore, those intending to use the Westlands entrance during the specified period should account for potential delays by allowing extra travel time. The Moja Expressway Company has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused by this temporary measure and extended its gratitude to motorists for their continued use of the Nairobi Expressway.

This Nairobi Expressway maintenance schedule is crucial for an infrastructure that has seen rapidly increasing usage, necessitating periodic interventions to ensure its optimal functioning. Adherence to these temporary traffic arrangements will be key to mitigating disruptions during the works.

The necessity for such maintenance activities underscores the Nairobi Expressway's escalating importance as a vital transport artery within the capital. Recent government data highlights a substantial increase in traffic volumes, placing greater demands on this key Nairobi transport corridor. During the 2024/25 financial year, the expressway recorded an impressive average of 67,298 vehicles daily.

This figure represents a notable surge compared to approximately 59,000 vehicles per day just two years prior. The growth is even more pronounced when considering the expressway's initial operational phase, when it handled around 11,000 vehicles daily. The consistent rise in usage demonstrates its critical role in facilitating urban mobility.

The sheer volume of traffic is further evidenced by the fact that approximately 12.5 million vehicles utilized the Nairobi Expressway in just the first half of the 2024/25 financial year alone. This sustained increase in demand necessitates ongoing maintenance and occasional traffic adjustments, such as the upcoming Moja Expressway Westlands closure, to ensure the expressway continues to serve its purpose effectively for the millions of commuters relying on it.

This article provides a public service announcement regarding temporary traffic diversions. It does not present any direct legal or compliance implications for lawyers or compliance officers, as it pertains solely to operational traffic management and commuter advice.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM