Traffic Diversions Ahead of Harambee Stars vs Madagascar Showdown

Nairobi motorists will face temporary traffic changes this weekend as the city prepares to host another round of matches in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The National Police Service announced on Thursday, August 21, 2025, that several roads will be closed or diverted beginning Friday, August 22.

The measures are part of efforts to ease congestion and manage the large number of fans expected to attend the continental football tournament.

Kenya is co-hosting the event alongside Tanzania and Uganda. The competition was originally scheduled for February but was pushed to August to allow the host countries more time to prepare.

Among the key venues for the games is the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, which has already begun drawing huge crowds.

The police have directed that traffic along the Thika Superhighway and its surrounding roads will be most affected. Vehicles moving from Nairobi’s Central Business District towards Thika Road through Ruiru, Juja, or Thika will be diverted to Kiambu Road at Exit 4.

A roadblock will be in place at Muthaiga to guide traffic. Motorists heading to Mwiki through the Superhighway will be redirected to use Ruaka, Baba Ndogo, Lucky Summer, and Nairobi River before connecting back to Mwiki.

Drivers from Thika, Juja, and Ruiru heading into the CBD are advised to take the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, with a roadblock stationed at the Ruiru Interchange.

Commuters travelling from Githurai to the CBD have been advised to use the Githurai 44 route through Kiambu Road.

Those heading to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani without official vehicle access passes will only be allowed entry through the service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8.

These restrictions are aimed at preventing heavy traffic near the stadium while ensuring that vehicles with access clearance can move in more efficiently.

The National Police Service has also assured the public of heightened deployment of officers both to enforce the traffic management plan and to provide security during the tournament.

“The National Police Service continues to work collaboratively with relevant agencies and urges all motorists to cooperate with officers on-site to ensure smooth traffic flow,” the statement read.

The service has also warned that stern action will be taken against any motorist who violates the new rules.

Officials explained that the diversions are meant to reduce pressure on the Thika Superhighway, which serves as a major route connecting Nairobi to the northern suburbs, while at the same time making sure that fans can access Kasarani without causing gridlock.