MOMBASA, Kenya – The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a major temporary closure of a critical section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway (A8), a move that will significantly impact travel and logistics for over two weeks. In an official public notice dated August 15, 2025, the authority stated that the closure is necessary to facilitate urgent road construction and drainage works.
The affected section is between the vital Makupa Bridge and the Changamwe Interchange. The closure is scheduled to be in effect from Saturday, August 23, 2025, to Sunday, September 7, 2025. This 16-day period is intended to allow engineers and construction crews to work unimpeded to “ensure seamless road connectivity” along this crucial transport corridor, which serves as the economic lifeline between the Coastal region and the rest of Kenya.
This planned infrastructure upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to improve the durability and safety of the busy highway. Drainage works are particularly critical in this region to prevent flooding and water damage to the road surface during heavy rains, which can cause potholes and dangerous driving conditions. By executing this intensive work over a concentrated period, KeNHA aims to minimize long-term disruptions and create a more reliable road network for the thousands of motorists who use the route daily.
The authority is acutely aware of the potential for massive traffic snarl-ups and has preemptively advised all motorists to strictly follow the proposed traffic management plan. Drivers are urged to cooperate fully with police officers and traffic marshals who will be deployed on-site to direct vehicles and ensure order during this challenging period. The notice references a “Phase II” construction plan, indicating this is part of a larger, multi-stage project.
What Motorists Need to Know:
- Highway Affected: Mombasa-Nairobi Highway (A8)
- Closed Section: Between Makupa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange.
- Duration of Closure: From Saturday, August 23, 2025, to Sunday, September 7, 2025 (16 days).
- Reason for Closure: Road construction and essential drainage works.
- Objective: To ensure long-term, seamless road connectivity.
Motorists traveling between Mombasa and Nairobi, or those heading to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) via the airport road link near Changamwe, must plan their journeys accordingly. Significant delays are expected, and alternative travel schedules are highly recommended. Heavy commercial vehicles, including trucks transporting goods to and from the Port of Mombasa, will face the most significant impact, potentially causing ripple effects on supply chains.
KeNHA has provided channels for public enquiries. Affected individuals and transport companies can email their complaints or seek clarification at complaints@kenha.co.ke or contact the customer care line at 0700 423 606.
The notice was signed by Eng. Luka Kimeli, the Acting Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority, lending full official weight to the announcement. As the authority itself reminds everyone: Road Safety Starts With You. During this period of disruption, patience and careful driving will be paramount for all road users.
For live updates and further information, the public is encouraged to follow KeNHA’s official Twitter handle @KeNHAKenya or visit their website at www.kenha.co.ke.
