Motorists advised to brace for traffic disruptions ahead of Kenya vs Madagascar CHAN quarterfinal clash
The temporary measures are expected to significantly affect motorists using Thika Road, Kiambu Road and the Northern Bypass, among other key routes.
Heavy traffic will be felt along major roads leading to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, August 22, as authorities implement diversions and road closures ahead of Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) quarterfinal clash against Madagascar.
Nairobi motorists have been urged to prepare for disruptions as the city braces to host the high-profile game.
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According to a notice by the Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir, several traffic management measures have been put in place to ensure smooth movement of teams, fans and emergency services.
“Due to the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), the National Police Service wishes to inform the public of temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Nairobi on Friday, 22 August 2025,” reads the notice.
The temporary measures are expected to significantly affect motorists using Thika Road, Kiambu Road and the Northern Bypass, among other key routes.
Motorists travelling from Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) toward Ruiru, Juja or Thika via Thika Road have been advised to use Kiambu Road at Exit 4, as a roadblock will be in place at Muthaiga to redirect traffic.
Vehicles heading toward Mwiki along Thika Superhighway should divert through Ruaka, Baba Ndogo, Lucky Summer, Nairobi River and Mwiki.
Motorists from Thika, Juja, and Ruiru moving toward the CBD have been directed to use the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, with a roadblock set at the Ruiru interchange.
Those travelling from Githurai to the CBD are advised to use Githurai 44 via Kiambu Road. Fans coming from Nairobi CBD to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, without official vehicle access passes will be required to use service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8.
The announcement comes as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially approved an increase in stadium capacity for the quarter-final match. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed that the stadium will now host up to 36,000 fans, representing 80 per cent of its full capacity, up from the 27,000 who attended Kenya’s 1-0 victory over Zambia last Sunday.
“As a result of that compliance process, they have considered favorably the request that was put forward by FKF on behalf of the Kenyan Government,” Mvurya said.
“Now tomorrow, we are happy to announce to all Kenyans that in Kasarani, we will have 80 per cent attendance capacity, which translates to 36,000 fans.”
The initial 60 per cent cap had been introduced following security breaches during Kenya’s earlier match against Morocco. Authorities have since tightened protocols, enhanced crowd-control measures and expanded fan zones to 13 locations across Nairobi and surrounding areas.
Mvurya urged fans to act responsibly, saying, “Quarterfinals is a big game, and therefore, we urge all Kenyans to continue to comply, so that the next time, we play at 100 per cent.”
Despite the capacity increase, ticketing challenges remain a concern. Official vendor Mookh.com has faced criticism over technical glitches, long queues, and double bookings.
Mvurya reassured the public, stating, “They are aware that there have been challenges. They have put in measures to address all the issues. We are very confident that CAF has the requisite capacity to deal with any challenges on their website and portal.”
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