CHAN 2024: How Nairobians are Beating Traffic with a “Tactical Transport Playbook”

As the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 heats up, turning Nairobi into a vibrant football hub, the city’s residents are demonstrating remarkable adaptability in navigating the inevitable match-day gridlock. With the Harambee Stars advancing to the quarterfinals, fan enthusiasm is at an all-time high, drawing tens of thousands to venues like Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium.

While the energy inside the stadiums is electric, the roads leading to them tell a different story. Nairobi Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir has implemented various road closures and diversions on key arteries, including Aerodrome Road, Lang’ata Road, and sections of the Thika Superhighway, to manage the influx of fans and officials. These necessary measures have prompted a creative and budget-friendly response from Nairobians determined to support their national team.

The Evolution of Match-Day Mobility

Private car reliance has significantly diminished, with high fuel costs and scarce parking deterring even the most fervent drivers. Instead, a dynamic mix of public and private transport options has emerged as the preferred “tactical playbook” for fans.

• Matatu Lifeline: The ubiquitous matatus remain a cornerstone of city transport. Public transport users are leveraging adjusted routes, such as the Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road for Kasarani-bound trips, to bypass severe congestion on the superhighway. The affordability of matatus allows large groups of friends to travel together economically.
• Ride-Sharing for Comfort: Ride-hailing services, including Uber, have become a popular choice for families and groups. Their upfront fare system eliminates negotiation stress, and fans frequently pool resources to split costs, ensuring a comfortable and economical journey. Uber Kenya’s latest Economic Impact Report highlights convenience, safety, time saved, and reliability as key motivators for 95% of riders, mirroring the priorities of football fans rushing to kick-off.
• Boda-Boda: The MVP: Perhaps the most valuable player in match-day travel is the boda-boda (motorcycle taxi). These agile vehicles expertly weave through traffic, bypassing snarl-ups and delivering fans directly to stadium gates. Services like Uber Boda have seen a surge in popularity, lauded for their speed and transparent pricing. Uber’s report indicates 65% of Uber Boda riders choose the service for speed, 51% to avoid traffic, and 48% in emergencies – motivations directly aligned with the urgency of match days.

  “We’ve seen more people turn to our Boda service as a quick, affordable way to get to the matches on time,” said Imran Manji, Uber’s General Manager for East & West Africa. He added that the extension of Uber’s safety features to include Uber Boda ensures fans can enjoy swift rides with access to trusted safety tools.

Beyond the Stadium: Decentralized Celebrations

The CHAN spirit extends beyond the stadiums, with official fan zones at locations like Uhuru Park and Dandora Stadium accommodating the overwhelming demand for tickets. Getting to these decentralized viewing areas also requires strategic transport, with a mix of walking, matatus, and ride-sharing ensuring broad participation in the collective celebration.

Affordability as the Ultimate Victory

A key element of Nairobi’s match-day strategy is cost-effectiveness. By opting for shared rides, matatus, or boda-bodas over private cars, fans save on fuel and parking, freeing up funds for jerseys, snacks, and post-match festivities. For example, a fan might spend KSh 300-500 on an Uber Boda trip compared to KSh 1,500 for driving, leaving ample cash for post-game celebrations.

“We’ve seen how quickly Nairobians adapt to new challenges, and it’s inspiring,” Manji noted. “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.”

Uber’s Quarterfinal Incentive

In anticipation of the Harambee Stars’ quarterfinal clash against Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Uber is offering a special promotion. Riders can enjoy a 40% discount across all Uber products by using the code Uber2CHAN40, aimed at facilitating affordable and convenient travel for fans heading to the stadium, fan zones, or post-match celebrations.

The CHAN 2024 tournament has become a testament to Nairobi’s resilience and communal spirit. Despite logistical challenges, the city continues to move, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful game, transforming every journey into part of the tournament’s unfolding narrative.

The increased patronage during this peak period has also created significant earning opportunities for drivers and riders alike, underscoring the collective benefit when the city comes alive.