Major city roads to be shut on Sunday for CHAN tournament

Kenyans have been urged to brace for major traffic disruptions on Sunday, August 3, as key roads in Nairobi will be closed to facilitate the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

In a statement on Thursday, Nairobi County Traffic Commanding Officer Joseph Chirchir said several major roads will be closed, with alternative routes designated to ease movement and manage congestion.

The affected roads include Aerodrome Road from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout; Lang’ata Road; and Mombasa Road, specifically from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout (one side), and from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout (one side).

Chirchir said diversions have been planned to guide motorists during the road closures.

Motorists from Mombasa Road heading to the Central Business District (CBD) have been advised to use Likoni-Enterprise Road at General Motors or take the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.

Those approaching the city from Lang’ata Road should use either Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road at Mbagathi Roundabout.

“Motorists from Nairobi CBD heading to Thika Road, Ruiru, Juja, or Thika should divert through Limuru Road or Kiambu Road,” Chirchir said.

Public service vehicles ferrying passengers to Kasarani Stadium have been directed to use Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road and connect through Ngomongo Road to Ngomongo Roundabout.

Additionally, motorists approaching from Thika Road should consider using either the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road or Limuru Road.

Chirchir urged all road users to cooperate with traffic police officers, follow the diversions, and plan their journeys early to avoid delays.

“These measures are meant to facilitate smooth traffic flow and ensure security during the CHAN tournament,” he said.

First held in 2009, the African Nations Championship is a unique football competition organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Unlike the more prominent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN only allows players who are actively playing in their domestic leagues to participate. The format is designed to promote and showcase homegrown talent, offering many players a chance to be scouted and signed by international clubs.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco are the most successful nations in the tournament’s history, with two titles each. Senegal are the current defending champions.

Preparations for the 2024 edition are in top gear, with teams arriving in host countries ahead of the opening matches. Niger became the first team to land in Uganda on July 29, setting up base in Kampala. The Moroccan team has arrived in Nairobi, while the Nigerian squad is camping in Zanzibar.

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Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, has also finalised its 25-man squad. Head coach Benni McCarthy made three changes following minor injuries and eligibility concerns. Kenya Police FC defender Abud Omar has been named captain.

Five stadiums across the three host nations, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, have been prepared for the month-long tournament.

In Kenya, Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will host matches. Kasarani will also stage the final on August 30.

For the first time in CHAN history, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be deployed in Kenya, with monitors already installed at both stadiums.

Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will host the opening match on August 2. Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium will also stage key fixtures throughout the tournament.