Drivers in Nairobi should expect heavy disruptions on Friday, December 12, as police roll out extensive security and traffic controls for this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo explained during a press briefing on Thursday that the preparations were in high gear both in the CBD and Nyayo Stadium, which will host the national ceremony. He added that the changes were necessary since this coming Monday will see thousands of Kenyans and invited international guests converge in the city to mark the event.
Major Road Closures and Traffic Diversions
Starting early morning, several key routes will be closed temporarily. Motorists who use Lang’ata Road to access the CBD will be diverted at the Madaraka roundabout and channelled towards Lusaka Road. Aerodrome Road, a busy link to Nyayo Stadium, will be completely closed between 7 am and 3 pm.
There will also be partial closure of sections of the Nairobi Expressway. Those coming from Westlands will be required to exit at Bunyala Road while motorists heading from Mlolongo towards the city centre must exit at Capital Centre.
Kitiyo added that the partial closures were necessary because the expressway is at an elevated position overlooking Nyayo Stadium: “This is purely a safety precaution. We want everyone attending the event to know that their security is fully taken care of.”
The rest of the city’s roads, other than the affected areas, will remain open; police officers are deployed in large numbers at virtually every traffic junction to guide motorists.
What Attendees Should Know
The gates will open as early as 5 am to ensure smooth entry into Nyayo Stadium. There will be a reserved parking zone for dignitaries inside the stadium, while the general public will be guided to park along the Langata–Mombasa Road loop that will be closed.
Kitiyo called on those attending the celebrations to wear national colours as a show of unity and patriotism, as there will be foreign dignitaries.
He also called upon the press to cover the event in areas of positive occurrence; this being an event that should reflect Kenya’s pride on the international stage.
Security will be tight, with uniformed officers and undercover teams stationed in and around Nyayo Stadium and neighbouring estates. Specialised units will remain on standby throughout the event. As the city gears up for the big day, authorities say it is quite simple: smooth celebrations, with no one harmed.
