Commuters and motorists in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) are facing significant delays today following the closure of several key roads to facilitate two high-profile presidential events. The Kenya Police Service issued a morning advisory confirming that security has been heightened around the City Hall and Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) precincts.
The disruptions are primarily due to President William Ruto’s historic address to the Nairobi County Assembly at City Hall, the first of its kind for the sitting president. Simultaneously, the second Africa Urban Forum, a pan-African event hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission, is concluding its sessions at the adjacent KICC.
Affected Roads and Closures
Because the two venues share a sensitive security perimeter, authorities have cordoned off the following areas until the conclusion of the events:
- City Hall Way: Entirely closed to public and private vehicles.
- Wabera Street: Sections adjacent to City Hall are inaccessible.
- Supreme Court / Parliament Roundabout: Heavy security presence with restricted access.
“These disruptions are necessary to facilitate two high-profile events occurring in close proximity,” the Kenya Police Service noted in an official statement. “Due to the shared security perimeter of these venues, the roads will remain closed until the events conclude.”
Alternative Routes for Motorists
Traffic police have been deployed in large numbers to direct vehicles away from the “Red Zone.” Motorists entering the CBD are advised to:
- Use Haile Selassie Avenue or University Way to bypass the central core.
- Utilize Kenyatta Avenue for east-west movement, though heavy congestion is expected.
- Avoid the areas surrounding the High Court and Parliament Buildings.
Heightened Security
The CBD has seen a massive deployment of the General Service Unit (GSU) and regular police officers since dawn. The Africa Urban Forum has drawn delegates from across the continent to discuss sustainable city growth, while the President’s address to the County Assembly is expected to touch on urban planning, the Affordable Housing project, and the Nairobi River regeneration initiative.
Public transport operators (Matatus) that usually ply routes through City Hall Way have been diverted to alternative drop-off points along Moi Avenue and Ronald Ngala Street.
The closures are expected to be lifted late Thursday afternoon once the President exits the City Hall precinct. Residents are encouraged to remain patient and follow the instructions of uniformed officers on the ground.
