Motorists in Nairobi on Thursday faced heavy traffic disruptions after police closed key roads leading to Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the high-stakes Morocco–Zambia match scheduled for 5pm.
The closure, aimed at easing crowd movement and enhancing security, affected several major routes.
Traffic police were deployed to the routes as early as 8 am.
Aerodrome Road from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout was fully shut, while one lane each on Lang’ata Road (Madaraka to Lusaka Roundabout).
Mombasa Road (Lusaka to Bunyala Roundabout) was also temporarily blocked.
With the closure set to end late in the evening, police advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid lengthy delays.
Those heading from Mombasa Road towards the Central Business District (CBD) were urged to use Likoni Road and Enterprise Road near General Motors, or divert via the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.
Drivers from Lang’ata Road to the CBD were directed to use Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road through Mbagathi Roundabout.
Authorities said the measures were necessary to manage the expected surge of football fans.
It is part of the new security measures being enforced by the police following the recent incident witnessed at the Kasarani, where security lapses were witnessed.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Wednesday chaired a high-level security meeting attended by CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other top security officials.
The meeting reviewed existing security operations and agreed on additional steps to ensure order on match day.
This follows the chaotic scenes during Kenya’s group-stage match against Morocco on August 10, which ended in a thrilling win for the hosts but was marred by serious security lapses.
Gates were broken, ticketless fans forced their way in, and restricted areas, including media zones, were breached.
Overcrowding became severe, with some reports alleging the use of tear gas outside the venue.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also pledged to ensure the directives are fully enforced in a bid to protect Kenya’s standing and avoid future sanctions.
Apart from the match at Nyayo Stadium today, Angola is scheduled to take on DR Congo at Kasarani at 7 pm.
The final matches of the group are set for Sunday, August 17, before the quarter finals.
