Thika Road Partial Closure Begins October 20 for Footbridge Works
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a two-month partial closure of Thika Road at Kihunguro to facilitate critical footbridge construction. The closure targets both Nairobi-bound and Thika-bound service lanes from October 20 to December 20, 2025.
Traffic Diversions in Place
Motorists are urged to avoid the affected service lanes entirely. Nairobi-bound drivers exiting near Kihunguro will be diverted at the Total Petrol Station toward Mark Hotel. Thika-bound drivers may use the service lane only up to the Shell Petrol Station before merging onto the main highway briefly to rejoin the service lane further ahead.
Traffic marshals and police officers will manage flow at the site. KeNHA advises strict adherence to the traffic management plan to minimize disruption.
Why the Thika Road Partial Closure Is Necessary
The closure enables construction of footbridge column bases and stub columns—essential for structural integrity. This footbridge aims to replace a heavily used zebra crossing that has caused chronic traffic snarls, especially during rush hours. Pedestrians currently cross multiple high-speed lanes, creating safety hazards and delays.
The Kihunguro stretch has become notorious for congestion due to this uncontrolled crossing. Deploying officers to regulate pedestrian movement has offered only temporary relief. A permanent footbridge is expected to significantly ease both traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
KeNHA’s two-month timeline accounts for the complexity of working on one of Kenya’s busiest highways. While stub column construction typically takes three to four weeks, the extended window includes buffer time for traffic coordination and unforeseen challenges.
Plan Ahead, Stay Informed
Allow extra travel time or consider alternative routes if you use Thika Road during the closure period. KeNHA will share real-time updates via its official channels.
