Motorists who regularly utilize Lang'ata Road were advised to prepare for traffic disruptions on Saturday, June 17, and make arrangements to utilize alternative routes to reach the city.
In a notice issued on Thursday, June 15, Karen Hospital announced that it obtained permission to have a section of Lang'ata Road closed from 7:15 am to facilitate the Karen Hospital Heart Run 2023 - a noble initiative geared at raising funds for heart surgeries for children from underprivileged backgrounds..
As per the notice, the closure would affect one side of the road, specifically from Carnivore Grounds to Nyayo Stadium. This stretch also serves Mombasa Road users.
Consequently, motorists planning to access Lang'ata Road were advised to use the Southern Bypass along Mombasa Road instead.
"Traffic will be affected on Mai Mahiu Road, Muhoho Avenue, Kiganjo Avenue and part of Mombasa Road from South C Fly Over.
"Motorists who wish to access Lang'ata Road are requested to use the Southern Bypass using the exit at Ole Sereni," the notice read in part.
Following the race, the section of Lang'ata Road from Carnivore Grounds to Nyayo Stadium will be reopened to facilitate the resumption of normal traffic flow.
The Karen Hospital Heart Run initiative was launched in response to the rising prevalence of heart diseases, particularly among children, and the associated expensive treatment costs.
In addition to organising running events, the foundation arranges derbies and gala nights to raise awareness and encourage Kenyans to support children in vulnerable situations.
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto's plan to avail affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.
As part of the implemented reforms, Ruto has directed his attention towards the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), emphasising the need to strengthen and empower the agency to provide quality healthcare.
“Many workers often fall ill or get injured. The steep costs of these eventualities, can trap them in poverty despite their hard work.
"To relieve workers of the burden of medical expenditures, the government has embarked on measures to implement a universal health cover that will keep the cost of treatment away from workers’ wages,” Ruto stated during Madaraka Day Celebrations on June 1.
