CHAN: Police announce traffic diversions ahead of Harambee Stars vs Madagascar showdown
By Faith Lagat, August 21, 2025The National Police Service (NPS) has announced temporary traffic diversions in Nairobi as the city prepares to host another round of fixtures for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The measures, set to take effect on Friday, August 22, 2025, are aimed at managing the expected influx of fans and easing congestion during the continental football tournament.
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, is co-hosting the prestigious event, which was postponed from February to August this year to allow for adequate preparations. The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is among the key venues for the matches.
Road closures and diversions
According to an NPS statement released on Thursday, August 21, the traffic management plan will mainly affect routes along and around the Thika Superhighway.
Motorists travelling from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Thika Road through Ruiru, Juja, or Thika will be required to use Kiambu Road at Exit 4, where a roadblock will be in place at Muthaiga.
Vehicles heading to Mwiki from the Thika Superhighway will be diverted through Ruaka, Baba Ndogo, Lucky Summer, and Nairobi River before connecting to Mwiki. Those from Thika, Juja, and Ruiru travelling to the CBD are advised to use either the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, with a roadblock mounted at the Ruiru Interchange.
The diversions are designed to ease pressure on the Superhighway, a major artery linking Nairobi to its northern suburbs, while ensuring smoother access to Kasarani.
- 1. Motorists from Nairobi CBD heading to Thika Road (Ruiru/Juja/Thika) should use Kiambu Road at Exit 4; there will be a roadblock at Muthaiga.
- 2. Vehicles using Thika Superhighway heading to Mwiki should use Ruaka-Baba Ndogo-Lucky Summer-Nairobi River-Mwiki.
- 3. Vehicles from Thika, Juja, and Ruiru heading to Nairobi CBD should use Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road; there will be a roadblock at Ruiru Interchange.
- 4. Vehicles from Githurai to Nairobi CBD should use Githurai 44-Kiambu Road.
- 5. Vehicles from Nairobi CBD heading to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium (without vehicle access passes) should use the Service Lane at Exit 7 and Exit 8.
Stadium access
The NPS has also issued specific directions for football fans heading to the Kasarani Stadium. Vehicles from the CBD without official access passes will only be allowed through the Service Lane at Exit 7 and Exit 8. This restriction aims to prevent gridlock around the stadium while prioritising access for authorised vehicles.
In addition, commuters from Githurai travelling to the CBD have been advised to use the Githurai 44-Kiambu Road route as part of efforts to distribute traffic more evenly across the network.
Police deployment and safety
The service has deployed additional officers to enforce the new traffic arrangements and provide security during the games. Motorists are urged to cooperate with traffic police and adhere to the diversions to avoid unnecessary delays.
“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,” read the statement.
The NPS further warned that stern action will be taken against any motorist found violating the outlined rules.
With thousands of fans expected to throng Kasarani and other CHAN venues, the police say the diversions are a necessary step to strike a balance between the excitement of the tournament and the daily needs of Nairobi commuters.