Navigating CHAN traffic to catch the action: Nairobi’s match-day playbook

The continent’s best are battling it out for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 title, and the fans in Nairobi are displaying a tactical genius of their own; finding creative, budget-friendly ways to beat the match-day gridlock and still catch every thrilling moment.

The city is alive with the sound of vuvuzelas, the chatter of fans swapping predictions, and the flags of participating nations. The CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, has turned the capital into a vibrant football village.

The Harambee Stars’ strong performance, including the victory over Morocco and Zambia, has seen them proceed to the quarters and amplified the buzz, with the fixtures drawing tens of thousands to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for Harambee Stars’ games and Nyayo National Stadium for other matches.

On match days, the streets around these venues resemble rivers of red, green, and black as fans in jerseys stream toward the gates. But while the stadium atmosphere is all adrenaline and unity, outside tells a different story. Traffic gridlock has become the tournament's most formidable opponent.

Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir announced multiple road closures and diversions on key roads leading to match venues, including Aerodrome Road, Lang’ata Road, and sections of the Thika Superhighway, to manage the flow of fans and officials.

These measures, while necessary, have forced fans to get creative and resourceful in their daily commutes and their quest to support the home team.

For many Nairobians, relying on a private car has become a gamble few are willing to take. The fuel cost alone, coupled with the scarcity of parking near the stadiums, is enough to deter even the most die-hard motorist.

Instead, fans have sought smarter, more affordable alternatives, and turned to an evolving mix of public and private transport options.

The tactical transport playbook

Nairobians, known for their resilience and quick thinking, have devised a multi-pronged approach to conquering the match-day madness. It is a testament to the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving transport ecosystem, where a single solution rarely fits all.

Here are a few of the tactical plays fans are using:

For many, matatu remains the backbone of the city's transport. Public transport users are relying on the designated routes that have been temporarily adjusted to serve the stadiums.

For instance, matatus heading to Kasarani are using alternative routes like Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road, which helps bypass the worst of the superhighway's congestion.

The affordability of matatus is a major draw, allowing entire groups of friends to travel together at a low cost.

Ride-sharing for comfort and cost-splitting

Ride-hailing apps like Uber have become a popular option for groups and families. They offer a clear, upfront fare, which eliminates the stress of negotiating.

Fans are often pooling resources, splitting the cost of a ride-share with friends to make the journey both comfortable and economical.

It’s no surprise that in Uber Kenya’s latest Economic Impact Report, 95 percent of riders cited convenience and safety as the most important reasons for using the Uber app, while 94 percent mentioned time saved and 93 percent pointed to reliability.

These priorities perfectly mirror the needs of football fans trying to get across the city in time for kick-off.

The true Most Valuable Player (MVP) of match-day travel might just be the boda-boda. When matatus and cars are caught up in a snarl-up, motorbikes can slip through tight spaces, skirt around stalled lines, and get fans right to the stadium gates.

Services like Uber Boda have seen a surge in popularity over the years, not just for their speed but also for their transparent and affordable pricing.

According to Uber’s Economic Impact Report, 65 percent of riders choose Uber Boda to get somewhere fast, 51 percent to avoid traffic, and 48 percent when facing an emergency. On CHAN match days, these motivations couldn’t be clearer—speed, agility, and reliability are what make Uber boda-bodas the ultimate transport hack.

A fan racing to catch the game won't need to worry about being stuck on a bypass or paying exorbitant rates; they can often reach the stadium in a fraction of the time and cost of a car trip during peak hours.

Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East & West Africa notes that the company has seen more people turn to its Boda service as a quick, affordable way to get to the matches on time.

“With the recent extension of our safety features to include Uber Boda, fans can enjoy the convenience of a fast ride while knowing they have access to the same trusted safety tools available on all Uber trips,” he said.

Beyond the stadium: Celebrating with the city

Not every fan has a ticket, but the CHAN spirit spills well beyond the stadium. With official fan zones being set up to accommodate the huge demand for tickets, as seen during the Harambee Stars' last game, these decentralised viewing areas have become cultural hotspots in their own right.

Getting to and from these hubs, whether at Uhuru Park, Dandora Stadium, or other community spaces, also requires a smart transport plan. Here too, a mix of walking, matatus, and ride-sharing is key to ensuring everyone can be part of the collective celebration.

Affordability as the real win

Part of the brilliance of Nairobi’s match-day tactics lies in keeping costs low without missing out on the fun.

By swapping private cars for shared rides, matatus, or boda-bodas, fans are not only avoiding the headache of traffic but also freeing up cash for jerseys, snacks, and post-match celebrations.

For instance, instead of spending Ksh.1,500 on fuel and parking when driving, a fan could get around on match day for just Ksh.300–500 using Uber Boda, leaving plenty in the pocket for a plate of nyama choma and a couple of drinks after the game, all without breaking the budget.

This sentiment is echoed by many, and it's a trend that Uber has embraced as noted by Imran, "We've seen how quickly Nairobians adapt to new challenges, and it's inspiring. We're happy to offer solutions that support this vibrant fan culture, providing safe, reliable, and affordable ways for people to get to the games or to fan zones. Our goal is to be a seamless part of the match-day experience, ensuring the focus remains on the beautiful game."

Celebrating Harambee Stars with fans: 40% off across all Uber products

As the Harambee Stars gear up to face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Uber has rolled out a special discount code to celebrate the team’s historic run. Riders can enjoy 40 percent off across all Uber products by using the code Uber2CHAN40.

The offer is designed to help fans move affordably and conveniently across the city on the match day, whether they are heading to the stadium, fan zones, or post-match celebrations.

The spirit of Nairobi on display

CHAN 2024 has showcased more than just football—it’s highlighted Nairobi’s adaptability, resourcefulness, and communal spirit. Even in the face of road closures, traffic jams, and sold-out tickets, the city finds a way to keep moving and celebrating.

From matatus blasting Afrobeats, to boda riders navigating backstreets with precision, to ride-shares packed with fans singing all the way to the stadium, every journey is part of the tournament’s story.

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of CHAN in Nairobi; it’s not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, but about the thousands of journeys, big and small, that get us there, together. It's a reminder that even in the face of chaos, Nairobi finds a way to move forward, to celebrate, and to enjoy the game.

And for drivers and riders alike, the peak period driven by CHAN has definitely created an opportunity to increase patronage and earn more, proving that when the city comes alive, everyone moves forward together.