KAA warns passengers of delays to JKIA, Wilson Airport as CHAN kicks off in Nairobi

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen assesses the security preparedness of the Kasarani Stadium in anticipation of the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament. (Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen/X)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, August 3, 2025

In a travel advisory on Sunday, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced that the movement of teams, officials and fans attending the premier football tournament would result in major road closures and diversions across Nairobi.

Passengers travelling through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport have been urged to prepare for significant traffic disruptions due to road closures and restrictions linked to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) match being hosted in the city.

In a travel advisory on Sunday, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced that the movement of teams, officials and fans attending the premier football tournament would result in major road closures and diversions across Nairobi.

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The disruptions, KAA warned, are likely to affect access to both JKIA and Wilson Airport.

KAA noted that specific road sections leading to the two airports have either been fully shut or partially closed to enhance security and facilitate seamless transportation for the event participants. Among the most affected roads is Aerodrome Road, which has been fully closed between the Madaraka and Bunyala roundabouts.

Lang’ata Road has also been partially closed, with one side blocked between Madaraka roundabout and Lusaka roundabout. In addition, one side of Mombasa Road is closed from Lusaka roundabout to Bunyala roundabout, further compounding traffic delays in and out of the city.

The Authority advised passengers to familiarise themselves with the recommended alternative routes, including the use of Likoni-Enterprise Road or the Southern Bypass when travelling from Mombasa Road to the Central Business District (CBD). Travellers approaching the CBD from Lang’ata Road have been directed to use Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road, while those connecting from Thika Road to the city are encouraged to consider the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road or Limuru Road.

“Passengers are strongly urged to check flight schedules and allow for prolonged travel times to ensure timely arrival at JKIA or Wilson Airport,” KAA said.

The Authority further assured passengers of support and urged those needing assistance or additional information to contact its customer service desks.

This Sunday, Kenya will face off with two-time champions DR Congo in a high-stakes Group A opener at the Kasarani Stadium, marking the Harambee Stars’ long-awaited debut in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

The match not only signals Kenya’s return to the continental football stage but also sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested CHAN editions in recent years.

It will be the first ever CHAN meeting between Kenya and DR Congo, an encounter brimming with historical significance for the hosts, who are hoping to make a strong impression on home soil.

DR Congo, a tournament heavyweight with two CHAN titles under their belt, comes into the clash with an established record against East African teams. They defeated Burundi and Rwanda 2-1 in the group stages of the 2014 and 2016 editions, respectively, and held Uganda to a goalless draw in the 2022 tournament.

The Congolese have also previously encountered host nations in high-pressure knockout ties. In 2016, they edged Rwanda 2-1 in the quarterfinals, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon at the same stage two years later in 2018.

President William Ruto has pledged generous incentives for the Harambee Stars ahead of their matches, promising Sh1 million to each team member for every match won and Sh500,000 for every draw.

The President further announced that the national team will receive Sh60 million if they qualify for the quarterfinals, Sh70 million for reaching the semifinals and a grand reward of Sh600 million should they win the tournament.