KURA warns of road closers in Nairobi ahead of Sunday bike race

Motorists in Nairobi will experience disruptions this Sunday as major roads will be closed for the annual Grand Nairobi Bike Race (GNBR) on September 29, 2024.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) states that some roads will be closed for almost eight hours.

"We wish to notify the general public that sections of Langata Road, Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, Bunyala Road and Lower Hill Road will be closed on Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm.

Traffic will be heavily affected as 2,500 cyclists from over 21 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the United States, are expected to participate in the event.

Unfortunately, no alternative routes will be provided for motorists during this period.

" We urge motorists to use alternative routes and to follow guidelines from traffic police and marshals," Kura said.

Other affected roads include major routes such as the Southern Bypass and Madaraka Roundabout, as well as smaller connecting roads like Masaba Road and Bunyala Road, leaving motorists with few options.

The Grand Nairobi Bike Race has grown into a major sporting event, now in its third edition, drawing professional cyclists and enthusiasts worldwide.

This year's race will feature six categories, including a 60 km main race, a 48 km para-cycling race, and a family-friendly 12 km ride.

With participants from Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other regions, this year's event promises intense competition. Uganda is expected to send at least 100 cyclists, with hopes of repeating their past success.

Last year, Uganda's Paul Lumuria took first place in the main race, while Olympian Charles Kagimu secured third.