Motorists have been urged to avoid Thika Road on Sunday, August 17, due to the highly anticipated Kenya–Zambia clash at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

In a traffic advisory, Nairobi County Traffic Commander Joseph Chirchir announced that several major roads will be closed and diversions implemented to ease movement across the city.

The affected routes include Aerodrome Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout), Lang’ata Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout), and Mombasa Road (from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout).

The Nairobi traffic chief has outlined five alternative routes for motorists using the Thika Superhighway. Motorists leaving Nairobi’s CBD for Thika Road are advised to take Kiambu Road at Exit 4, while those heading to Mwiki should use the Ruaraka–Baba Dogo–Lucky Summer–Nairobi River route.

Drivers travelling to Nairobi from Thika, Juja, or Ruiru are advised to use either the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, as a roadblock will be in place at the Ruiru interchange.

Vehicles from Githurai to the CBD should take the Githurai 44–Kiambu Road route. For those from Nairobi heading to Kasarani Stadium without vehicle access, the service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8 will be in use.

Motorists from Mombasa Road heading to the CBD should take Likoni–Enterprise Road at General Motors or the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.

Those approaching the CBD from Lang’ata Road should use Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road via Mbagathi Roundabout.

This traffic management plan forms part of broader logistical measures to facilitate the smooth hosting of CHAN 2024, which is expected to draw thousands of fans and dignitaries.

Authorities have stepped up preparations for the upcoming Kenya–Zambia match in light of recent security concerns.

Following a hefty USD 50,000 fine from the Confederation of African Football over safety breaches during the Morocco game, officials are enforcing tighter crowd control measures.

The Football Kenya Federation has established six official fan zones across Nairobi, including Uhuru Park, Dandora Stadium, and Kibera DC Grounds, to accommodate supporters without stadium tickets while ensuring compliance with CAF regulations.

President William Ruto, on Friday, August 15, appealed to Kenyans attending the Kenya–Zambia football match at Kasarani on August 17 to adhere to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules and regulations.

“On Sunday, we have a match between Kenya and Zambia at Kasarani. I ask Kenyans, let’s not cause distractions. Let’s ensure we follow the procedures and the CAF rules.

“But I also want to ask all of you, Kenyans, when you go to the match, let’s make sure that we follow the CAF rules. This is important so that we can continue our football game in a fair and safe way. Let’s make sure we build our nation’s reputation as a nation that knows how to play football fairly and with respect,” he said.

Meanwhile, fans are encouraged to arrive at these venues at least five hours before kickoff and have their digital tickets ready on their phones.