Nairobi residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead as three major highways in the city will be closed for 14 hours on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The affected routes are the Southern Bypass, part of Ngong Road at the Lenana Interchange, and the Uhuru Gardens and Carnivore stretch. The road closures will run from midnight to 2 pm, facilitating the 2026 Jubilee Live Free Race.
The Jubilee Live Free Race, powered by the Grand Nairobi Bike Race (GNBR), is targeting over 4,400 participants from more than 20 countries. The event has received sponsorship exceeding KSh 120 million from over 25 corporate sponsors. The race will start and finish at Uhuru Gardens, with cyclists riding along the Southern Bypass and passing through several designated turnaround points.
The race features three categories: the Main Race, covering 77.8 km across two loops; the Black Mamba/Para-Cycling category, spanning 39 km over one loop; and a Family Fun Ride for children under 14 years, covering 20 km. The event promotes physical activity, supports access to prosthetics for people living with limb loss, and champions environmental conservation through tree planting and restoration of water towers in marginalized schools.
The Jubilee Live Free Race has experienced steady growth since its inception as the Grand Nairobi Bike Race in 2019, with 450 participants. In 2022, Jubilee Insurance joined as the main sponsor, and the event surpassed 900 riders. Participation climbed to 1,500 in 2023 and exceeded 2,600 in 2024, with cyclists from 21 foreign nationalities competing that year.
The event doubles as a platform for social impact, with organizers promoting environmental conservation and social responsibility. The race has become an annual regional cycling event, drawing cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and dozens of other nations. Residents living along the affected roads are urged to plan ahead and anticipate heavy traffic diversions throughout the closure window.
Motorists are advised to identify alternative routes before the closure begins. The road closures will cause significant disruptions, and residents are urged to cooperate with traffic authorities. The event is expected to bring together cyclists and supporters from across the region, promoting a healthy lifestyle and social responsibility.
The Jubilee Live Free Race marks its continued growth and expansion, solidifying its position as a premier cycling event in the region. With its focus on social impact and community engagement, the event is set to make a positive impact on the lives of participants and residents alike.
Key points
- The 2026 Jubilee Live Free Race targets over 4,400 participants from more than 20 countries.
- The event features three race categories, including the Main Race, Black Mamba/Para-Cycling, and a Family Fun Ride.
- The road closures will run from midnight to 2 pm on Sunday, September 27, 2026, affecting the Southern Bypass, part of Ngong Road, and the Uhuru Gardens/Carnivore stretch.
