Motorists in Nairobi have been urged to avoid Thika Road and other major routes today, Sunday, August 17, 2025, as the government enforces temporary road closures and diversions ahead of the CHAN 2024 Group A match between Kenya and Zambia at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In a traffic advisory issued on Sunday morning, Nairobi County Traffic Officer Commanding Police, Joseph Chirchir, announced that several key roads will remain partially or fully closed to manage congestion and ease movement of fans to the stadium.
Roads Affected by Closures
- Aerodrome Road: Closed from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout.
- Lang’ata Road: One lane closed from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout.
- Mombasa Road: One lane closed from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
- From Mombasa Road to the CBD: Use Likoni Road–Enterprise Road near General Motors or the Southern Bypass via Ole Sereni.
- From Lang’ata Road: Use Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road via Mbagathi Roundabout.
- From City Centre to Thika/Juja/Ruiru: Use Kiambu Road at Exit 4 as a roadblock will be placed at Muthaiga.
- From Thika, Juja and Ruiru to Nairobi: Diversions at the Ruiru interchange will direct motorists to either the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road.
- From Githurai to CBD: Use Githurai 44–Kiambu Road.
- From CBD to Kasarani without access passes: Use the service lane at Exit 7 and Exit 8.
Vehicles heading to Mwiki have been advised to use the Ruaraka–Baba Ndogo–Lucky Summer–Nairobi River route.
Chirchir emphasized that additional police officers will be deployed along the affected routes and inside Kasarani Stadium.
“The National Police Service continues to work collaboratively with relevant agencies and urges all motorists to cooperate with officers on-site to ensure smooth traffic flow. Stern action will be taken against anyone violating traffic rules,” Chirchir said.
Security Tightened After CAF Fine
The enhanced measures come in the wake of chaos during Kenya’s previous match against Morocco, which led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to fine the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh12 million.
On Friday, President William Ruto urged fans to remain disciplined during the crucial fixture.
“On Sunday, we have a match between Kenya and Zambia at Kasarani. I ask Kenyans, let’s not cause distractions. Let’s ensure we follow the procedures and the CAF rules,” he said at State House, Nairobi.
“This is important so that we build our nation’s reputation as a football country that plays fairly and with respect.”
Fan Zones Set Up Across Nairobi
To accommodate thousands of fans who may not access the stadium, the government has set up six official fan zones across the city:
- Uhuru Park
- Lucky Summer (Ngomongo Area, behind Kasarani Stadium)
- Dandora Stadium
- Utalii (Stima Club)
- Jacaranda Grounds
- Kibera DC Grounds
Each fan park will have big screens, enhanced security, and crowd-control officers.
High-Stakes Fixture for Harambee Stars
Kenya faces Zambia in a decisive Group A tie at 3 pm (EAT). A win would see Harambee Stars cement the top spot in the group and qualify for the knockout stages of the CHAN 2024 tournament, a major boost for Kenyan football after years of international setbacks.
