KeNHA confirms restoration of traffic after Nairobi Southern Bypass tanker incident
By Aloys Michael, January 25, 2026The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed the full restoration of traffic along the Nairobi Southern Bypass following an oil tanker incident that disrupted movement earlier in the day.
In a Traffic Restoration Notice dated Saturday, 24 January 2026, KeNHA informed motorists and the general public that the affected section of the Southern Bypass has now been reopened after successful emergency response operations.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform motorists and the public of the restoration of traffic on the Nairobi Southern Bypass (Mombasa Road bound) following an earlier oil tanker incident that occurred during the day,” the notice read in part.
According to the authority, the reopening followed coordinated emergency measures involving multiple agencies, adding that the response included fire suppression, site containment, and safety assessments, ensuring that the road was safe for public use before traffic was allowed to resume.
Motorists have since resumed normal use of the Southern Bypass, a key link for traffic connecting the western and southern parts of Nairobi to Mombasa Road.
However, KeNHA urged road users to remain cautious as conditions normalise.
“Road users are advised to exercise caution, adhere to posted traffic signs, and follow directions issued by traffic police on site as traffic flow stabilises,” the notice emphasised.
The tanker accident
The oil tanker exploded into a ball of fire after a collision along the Southern Bypass, behind Carnivore.
The incident resulted in confusion and chaos along the busy road near the Wilson Airport as a fuel tanker landed on the left-hand side of the dual carriageway, and part of the trailer was off Swaminarayan Street just below the tunnel below the Southern Bypass, but the large blaze is blocking traffic in both directions.
“Following the accident, one fuel tanker reportedly fell from the Southern Bypass onto the lower road and burst into flames, presenting a significant fire and explosion risk. Consequently, the Southern Bypass has been temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and ensure public safety,” they stated.
In addition, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the collision resulted in an explosion, while authorities later confirmed that one of the drivers involved in the accident had died.
No additional details have been released regarding the identity of the deceased or the condition of other individuals involved.
Truck fire incidents have been reported in various parts of Kenya, involving heavy commercial vehicles transporting fuel and other hazardous materials.
These incidents typically occur following road traffic collisions, vehicle rollovers, or mechanical failures and often result in fires or explosions that disrupt transport and damage surrounding property.
For instance, in December 2025, along the Mtito Andei-Voi highway, a collision involving a fuel tanker and another truck led to a fire that halted traffic along the route. In Nakuru’s Barnabas area, multiple fuel tankers and trucks were involved in a nighttime fire, prompting emergency response efforts to contain the blaze and secure the area.
Earlier in February 2024, in the Embakasi area, a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas was involved in an explosion that affected nearby residential and industrial structures. Emergency services responded to manage the fire and attend to casualties reported at the scene.