List of Nairobi Roads to Be Partially Closed for Mater Heart Run 2025 Event
NAIROBI, May 31, 2025 — Motorists in Nairobi and across nine counties are being urged to prepare for significant traffic disruptions on Saturday morning as the Mater Heart Run 2025 kicks off across the country. The annual event, which raises funds for the Mater Cardiac Programme, will see key roads closed or heavily congested between 7:00 am and 11:00 am in multiple urban centers.
In a traffic advisory issued by Mater Hospital on Saturday morning, several major roads in Nairobi were listed as likely to experience severe delays. These include City Hall Way, Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, Bunyala Road, Upper Hill Road, Elgon Road, and Ngong Road. Areas around Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Parliament (Bunge), and Britam Tower are expected to be particularly congested, with potential traffic spillover affecting Kenyatta Avenue and other connecting roads.
“We encourage all motorists to use Waiyaki Way (westbound), Mombasa Road (southbound), or Lang’ata Road as detours if they must enter the city centre,” the hospital stated in its advisory. “If possible, avoid travel during the event and resume movement after 5:00 pm, once all activities have concluded.”
The Mater Heart Run, now in its 30th year, was launched in 1995 as a way to raise awareness and funds for children suffering from heart conditions who are unable to afford surgery. Originally held only in Nairobi, the event has expanded significantly and is now organized simultaneously across ten counties.
In addition to Nairobi, road users in Mombasa, Kericho, Nakuru, Nyeri, Bomet, Kisumu, Kakamega, Machakos, and Uasin Gishu will also be affected. The run will start simultaneously at locations such as Loreto Convent Mombasa, Kericho Teachers’ College, Nakuru Athletics Club, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, St. Mary’s Day & Boarding Primary School, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, Bishop Sulumeti Girls, The Machakos School, and Moi Girls’ Eldoret.
The Mater Cardiac Programme has become a beacon of hope for thousands of Kenyan families. Through sponsorships and public support generated by the Heart Run, the hospital has been able to perform life-saving surgeries and medical procedures for children with congenital and acquired heart diseases. This year’s edition is expected to draw thousands of participants, including schoolchildren, healthcare workers, corporate teams, and local communities.
Adding to the traffic pressure in Nairobi is the ongoing closure of Museum Hill Exit A on the Nairobi Expressway, a critical route connecting central Nairobi to the elevated toll road. The exit was temporarily shut down earlier in May to allow for expansion works that aim to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. The exit, which currently has three lanes, is being expanded to five lanes as part of a broader infrastructure upgrade.
“This is part of our broader commitment to improve the expressway experience and ease traffic congestion,” said a statement from Moja Expressway Company, the operator of the 27-kilometre toll road. However, progress on the project has been delayed due to land acquisition negotiations with the University of Nairobi, which owns nearby property required for the expansion.
As Nairobi continues to grapple with overlapping infrastructure challenges and increasing traffic volumes, Saturday’s events serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban mobility and civic engagement. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed, plan ahead, and exercise patience.
Final advisory:
Motorists are strongly encouraged to check real-time updates, use alternative routes, and support the Mater Heart Run by respecting temporary diversions. The event’s success not only reflects community spirit but helps provide critical care for children in need.
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List of Nairobi Roads to Be Partially Closed for Mater Heart Run 2025 Event