Motorists in Nairobi have been advised to expect temporary traffic disruptions on several key roads on Saturday, March 14, 2026, as Karen Hospital hosts its annual charity run.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 11, the hospital said partial closures will affect sections of Karen Road, Karen Plains Road, Ngong Road, and Lang’ata Road. The closures are scheduled to start at 7 a.m. to facilitate the safe passage of participants in the Karen Hospital Heart Run 2026, which will take place around the Waterfront Mall in Karen.
“Traffic alert for a worthy cause! The Karen Hospital Heart Run 2026 is happening on March 14, 2026, at Waterfront Mall Karen,” the hospital announced. “Kindly note there will be partial road closures from 7 a.m. along sections of Karen Road, Karen Plains Road, Ngong Road, and Lang’ata Road.”
The charity run will feature both 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes, passing through multiple roads in the Karen area, including sections connecting to the busy Lang’ata Road. Organisers have urged motorists to plan ahead and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
The event forms part of the hospital’s Heart to Heart Foundation initiative, which supports children suffering from heart conditions. This year, the run is being held under the theme “Leaving a Mark on a Child’s Heart”, with the aim of raising awareness and funds for life-saving cardiac treatment for children.
Participants in the 10-kilometre race will follow a longer loop around the Karen area near Waterfront Mall, while those in the 5-kilometre event will take a shorter triangular path along nearby roads. Organisers said the structured routes are designed to ensure the safety of runners and minimize traffic disruption where possible.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and encourage motorists to use alternative routes. Thank you for supporting a cause that helps change and save children’s lives,” Karen Hospital stated.
The 2026 event comes earlier in the year compared to last year’s edition, which was held on July 5, 2025, at the same venue. By scheduling the run in mid-March, the organisers hope to attract more participants while also taking advantage of favorable weather conditions for the outdoor event.
Karen Hospital has continued to use the Heart Run as a key platform for community engagement and fundraising, highlighting the importance of public support in providing medical care to children with cardiac conditions.
Motorists and residents in the Karen area are advised to remain vigilant on the affected roads, expect partial closures in the morning hours, and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The hospital has emphasised that the temporary inconvenience will contribute to a larger goal of supporting children’s health and saving lives.
The 2026 Karen Hospital Heart Run promises to be both a community celebration and a critical fundraiser for the Heart to Heart Foundation, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to children’s cardiac care.
