List of key Nairobi roads to be closed ahead of Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward Summit, hosted jointly by President William Ruto and his French Counterpart Emmanuel Macron, will bring together at least 30 Heads of States, innovators and business leaders to address emerging regional and global challenges. 

In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, the Office of the Government Spokesperson announced that heavy VVIP movement is expected along key roads including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road and Kiambu Road.

The government further announced that several roads within the Central Business District will be closed from midnight on May 11 to facilitate the high-level summit.

The roads set to be closed include City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Taifa Road, with only conference vehicles accessing the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) allowed passage.

Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the affected areas and comply with traffic police directives throughout the summit period.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, May 9, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammud assured the public that security agencies had fully secured all venues linked to the event.

“We have secured all venues,” stated Mohammud.

He said both uniformed and plain-clothed officers would be deployed across the city to ensure public safety and smooth movement during the summit.

Mohammud warned that temporary traffic disruptions would affect major roads including Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road and Limuru Road, depending on VVIP movements and security needs.

The police boss also disclosed that access to some hotels and venues would be restricted temporarily as part of enhanced security operations.

Mohammud advised motorists and travellers heading to the airport to plan their journeys well in advance to avoid inconveniences caused by the expected traffic snarl-ups.

“Those catching flights should plan at least five hours in advance,” he said.

He appealed for cooperation from Nairobi residents, urging them to remain calm and continue with their normal activities while observing security advisories.

“I appeal for public cooperation for your own safety. We call upon residents to remain calm and go about their business,” stated Mohammud.

The police commander also urged the public to avoid restricted areas unless authorised and to report any suspicious persons or objects to the police through emergency contacts.

“Security is our top priority, there’s no cause for alarm,” he added.

Mohammud further confirmed that the country remains on high alert over possible terror threats or related attacks during the summit, with security agencies maintaining heightened surveillance throughout the event.