Motorists in Nairobi experienced major traffic disruptions on Thursday after police closed several key roads around Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the highly anticipated Morocco–Zambia African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) group match scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
The move, aimed at improving crowd management and tightening security, began early in the morning and affected multiple major routes. Traffic police were stationed at strategic points from as early as 8:00 a.m. to redirect vehicles and guide commuters to alternative roads.
Aerodrome Road from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout was completely shut. In addition, one lane in each direction along Lang’ata Road, from Madaraka to Lusaka Roundabout, was closed. Mombasa Road between Lusaka and Bunyala Roundabout was also temporarily blocked.
The closures, expected to remain in place until late evening, prompted police to advise motorists to use other routes. Those travelling from Mombasa Road towards the Central Business District (CBD) were urged to divert via Likoni Road and Enterprise Road near General Motors, or use the Southern Bypass through Ole Sereni. Drivers from Lang’ata Road heading to the CBD were advised to use Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road via Mbagathi Roundabout.
Authorities emphasised that the measures were part of new security protocols introduced following recent crowd trouble at another major football match in Nairobi. During Kenya’s group-stage win against Morocco on August 10, severe security lapses led to chaotic scenes. Gates were broken, ticketless fans forced entry, and restricted areas such as media sections were breached. Overcrowding became dangerous, with reports of tear gas use outside the stadium.
In response, senior security officials held a high-level meeting earlier in the week to review existing operations and adopt stricter match-day procedures. The focus is on maintaining order, safeguarding spectators, and protecting Kenya’s reputation as a capable host nation to avoid possible sanctions from continental football authorities.
The Morocco–Zambia encounter at Nyayo Stadium is expected to draw thousands of fans, while another CHAN 2024 fixture between Angola and DR Congo will take place later in the evening at Kasarani Stadium. Group-stage matches conclude on Sunday, August 17, before the tournament advances to the quarter-finals.
