In a statement on Thursday, March 28, the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) said the closure is to allow maintenance work on the busy highway.

Kenha announced that the closure would be effected beginning Thursday March 28, until Saturday, April 6 at midnight.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) wishes to notify the Public that there will be a temporary closure of Uhuru Highway (A8) between Hotel Boulevard and the University of Nairobi roundabout (Mombasa Bound) from 11.59 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024, to 11.59 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024,” read the notice in part.

The authority advised motorists accessing Uhuru Highway (A8) from Westlands and Thika Road to use alternative routes and asked drivers to take caution while approaching the affected sections.

The alternative routes include Harry Thuku Road, University Way, Prof. Wangari Mathai Road, and Kipande Road.

In January, Kenha was forced to act and started repairing the neglected tunnel used by University of Nairobi students and the public.

The agency took the initiative in response to public outcry after images of the flooded and dimly lit tunnel, situated near St. Paul’s Chapel and the University Way roundabout—an often-used shortcut by students—were shared on social media.

According to some students who spoke to Nairobi News, the tunnel that connects the main campus and the graduation square had been neglected for over a year.

They revealed that they are now forced to dodge vehicles on Uhuru Highway.

When reached for comment then, Kenha Deputy Director – Corporate Communication Samwel Kumba said that although the site had been neglected, work has been happening in the background, including geotechnical investigations, design, planning, and procurement of works for a new structure.

“The precast yard for the new structure has been operational for two months,” said Mr Kumba.

He added that one of the wing walls of the existing structure, which blocks water, is going to be removed, and the side drain along the KBC fence will be improved to mitigate flooding.

“Lights will be installed in the new structure by June 2024,” he added.

In 2020, the tunnel was identified by students as a hotspot for robbery and rape, especially at night.