LIST: Key Nairobi Roads To Be Closed Ahead Of CHAN 2024, Use These Alternative Routes

The Kenya Police Service has announced the temporary closure of several major roads and suggested alternative routes to help ease traffic around the city.

LIST: Key Nairobi Roads To Be Closed Ahead Of CHAN 2024, Use These Alternative Routes
Bird's eye view of traffic jam along Thika Road. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

Motorists in Nairobi have been warned to expect major traffic disruptions on Sunday, August 3, as the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off.

The Kenya Police Service has announced the temporary closure of several major roads and suggested alternative routes to help ease traffic around the city.

In a statement released by Nairobi County Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir-CP, police listed the specific roads that will be impacted to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

Kasarani Stadium ahead of CHAN 2024. /CAROL RADULL

The roads that will be closed to motorists include:

  • Aerodrome Road: The entire stretch from Madaraka Roundabout up to Bunyala Roundabout will be closed.
  • Langata Road: One side of the road will be closed from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout.
  • Mombasa Road: One side of the road will be inaccessible from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout.

Alternative Routes

To ease congestion and help motorists navigate around road closures, police have issued a set of alternative routes ahead of Sunday’s CHAN tournament.

Motorists approaching the Central Business District (CBD) from Mombasa Road are advised to use Likoni-Enterprise Road through General Motors or opt for the Southern Bypass at Olesereni.

Those travelling from Lang'ata Road towards the CBD should consider using Raila Odinga Way (formerly Mbagathi Way) or Muhoho Road via the Mbagathi Roundabout as alternative routes.

Drivers heading from the Nairobi CBD towards Thika Road, Ruiru, Juja, or Thika are encouraged to use either Limuru Road or Kiambu Road. Similarly, motorists coming from Thika Road into the city can take the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road to avoid affected sections.

Public service vehicles (matatus) ferrying passengers to Kasarani Stadium have been directed to use the Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road and continue via Ngomongo Road to reach the Ngomongo Roundabout.

All motorists are urged to obey traffic police officers who will be deployed to manage flow and ensure compliance with the temporary directives. Authorities have also encouraged drivers to plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconvenience and delays.

The traffic plan has been rolled out as Kenya gears up for a high-profile opening weekend of the CHAN 2024 tournament. The Harambee Stars will kick off the competition with a match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Kasarani on Sunday at 3 PM, followed by Morocco taking on Angola at Nyayo Stadium from 6 PM.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya earlier assured fans that transport logistics during the tournament would run smoothly, promising efficient travel to and from the stadiums.

The traffic strategy is not only aimed at fans but also designed to facilitate swift and unobstructed movement for teams, match officials, and emergency responders.

Traffic officers will be deployed at key intersections to direct vehicles and minimize congestion. With thousands expected to attend the matches, authorities are advising fans to begin their journeys early to avoid last-minute traffic build-up.

Organisers stress that these measures are essential to ensuring a seamless CHAN 2024 experience both inside and outside the stadiums.

Traffic on Langata Road T-Mall flyover on August 8, 2022. /NATION MEDIA GROUP