KeNHA Extends Closure of Makupa–Changamwe Section of Highway

• Sep 23, 2025

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has extended the temporary closure of a section of the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway to allow for road construction and drainage works. The affected stretch lies between Makupa Bridge and the Changamwe Interchange, one of the busiest transport corridors in Mombasa County.

In a notice released on Tuesday, September 23, KeNHA confirmed that the closure will now run from September 23 to October 4, 2025. The Authority explained that the works are necessary to improve road connectivity and address drainage challenges along the section.

“KeNHA wishes to notify the public of the extension on the temporary closure of Mombasa–Nairobi (A8) Highway between Makupa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to Saturday, October 4, 2025, to allow for road construction and drainage works to ensure seamless road connectivity along this section,” the statement read.

Motorists have been advised to follow the traffic management plan put in place and to cooperate with police officers and traffic marshals stationed on-site to guide vehicles and ensure minimal disruption during the closure.

According to the updated Phase II construction diagram shared by KeNHA, the affected zone includes alternative routes designed to divert vehicles smoothly. The plan outlines clear markings for traffic flow, including access to key facilities such as the airport, to limit delays for road users.

This extension follows an earlier closure in August when KeNHA announced a two-week restriction on the same stretch. That closure began on August 23 and lasted until September 7, 2025, also to facilitate construction and drainage works.

The Makupa–Changamwe section is of major strategic importance as it connects traffic entering and leaving the Port of Mombasa with the rest of the country. The highway is not only critical for passenger movement but also serves as a lifeline for commercial traffic transporting goods from the port to other regions.

KeNHA stressed that while the temporary inconvenience may affect road users, the improvements are essential to ensure a more reliable and efficient transport corridor in the coastal region.