Police Announces Temporary Road Closures as Nairobi Hosts CHAN Final

Sections of Nairobi are set to experience traffic disruptions on Saturday, August 30, as the city hosts the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

In a communication of Friday, August 29, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that several roads will be temporarily closed from 6:00 a.m. to facilitate smooth traffic flow around Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where the match will take place.

In its traffic advisory, the NPS indicated that motorists travelling between Nairobi’s central business district and Thika Road will be diverted to Kiambu Road at Exit 4, with a roadblock mounted at Muthaiga. 

Those using Thika Superhighway to access Mwiki have been advised to use the Ruaka–Baba Dogo–Lucky Summer–Nairobi River–Mwiki route. 

Traffic from Thika, Juja and Ruiru heading towards the CBD will be diverted to the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, with another roadblock placed at Ruiru Interchange. 

In addition, motorists from Githurai into the city will be redirected to use the Githurai 44–Kiambu Road route.

The police further noted that vehicles heading from the CBD to Moi International Sports Centre without access passes will be required to use the service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8.

The NPS assured the public that additional officers have been deployed along the affected routes to guide motorists and maintain order.

"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.

"Additional police officers have been deployed and will take stern action against anyone violating traffic rules,” the communication read in part.

Meanwhile, the game will not only draw thousands of football fans but will also host several high-profile dignitaries.

President William Ruto, alongside other senior government officials, is among those expected to be in attendance.

Additionally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will attend the event alongside CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina.

Morocco will face Madagascar for the continental title.

In the first semifinal played at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Morocco and Senegal drew 1-1 after extra time. Q

The North Africans prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout, knocking out the defending champions and advancing to their third CHAN final.0

In Dar es Salaam, Madagascar booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win over Sudan at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. à at! Z1

Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute, sending Madagascar into their first-ever CHAN final.

Morocco heads into the contest as favorites, having won the tournament twice in 2018 and 2020.