'Avoid Thika Road': Traffic disruptions announced ahead of Kenya-Zambia match

Motorists have been advised to avoid using Thika Road on Sunday, August 17, during the highly anticipated match between Kenya and Zambia at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

In a traffic advisory issued by Joseph Chirchir, Officer Commanding Traffic in Nairobi County, several key roads will be closed and diversions put in place to ease movement around the city.

These include Aerodrome Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout), Lang'ata Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout) and Mombasa Road (from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout). 

The Nairobi traffic boss provided five alternative routes for motorists plying the Thika Superhighway.

Motorists from Nairobi CBD planning to use Thika Road were advised to use the Kiambu Road at Exit 4. Those heading to Mwiki were advised to Ruaraka-Baba Dogo-Lucky Summer-Nairobi River route.

On the other hand, motorists heading to Nairobi from either Thika, Juja or Ruiru will either use the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road as there will be a roadblock at the Ruiru interchange. 

Vehicles from Githurai to Nairobi CBD will use the Githurai 44-Kiambu Road, while those from Nairobi heading to Kasarani Stadium without vehicle access will be required to use the service lane at Exit 7 and Exit 8. 

Alternatively, motorists from Mombasa Road going to CBD will use the Likoni-Enterprise Road at General Motors and the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.

Drivers heading to CBD from Lang'ata Road will use the Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road at Mbagathi Roundabout. 

The traffic plan is part of comprehensive logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of CHAN 2024, with thousands of fans and dignitaries expected to attend the match.

Earlier, the government tightened security measures following the chaos that ensued during the Kenya-Morocco clash.

The fracas prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to impose a Ksh.12 million fine on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Kenya will host Zambia in a crucial CHAN 2024 Group A decider as Harambee Stars seek to solidify the top spot ahead of the knockout rounds.