Several businesses around Kasarani Stadium, including popular fish eatery The Big Fish, have been forced to close on Sunday, August 3, due to road closures linked to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) football match.
In a public notice, The Big Fish announced that its Garden Estate branch would remain closed for the day because of traffic disruptions.
Further, the notice explained that the move was due to road closures and an ongoing match at Kasarani Stadium, and customers were advised to visit their Westlands Church Road outlet, which remained operational.
“Please note that The Garden Estate Branch will remain CLOSED today (Sunday) due to road closures and the ongoing match at Kasarani Stadium.
“However, our Westlands Church Road Branch remains OPEN and operational,” read the notice.
With Thika Road gridlocked and access routes like Roysambu and Allsops closed off, many businesses lost an entire day’s worth of sales.
Also Read: Harambee Stars vs DR Congo: Results for CHAN 2024 Match at Kasarani
Uproar from Kenyans Over the Road Closure
The move has triggered online backlash from customers and business owners who were counting on the match to drive up sales.
“It’s a big, big shame that businesses close for a football event instead of staying open longer due to the numbers,” posted user @gidikariuki.
“Instead of enhancing the fan experience, they are limiting it,” added @italic_azzuri.
“The number of people who had planned to eat at Big Fish before or after the game is big… I am convinced the government hates its people,” said @ShiKenny.
Additionally, The Big Fish shared their disappointment, stating that they would have made easy money because of the huge crowd that attended the match.
“Today being end-of-month with that crowd and hype, I would have made the easiest money since I started selling fish,” stated the Big Fish.
Also Read: How to Watch All CHAN 2024 Matches as CAF Announces Local & International Broadcasters
Who Owns The Big Fish
The Big Fish, which began in 2015 as a side business by teacher-turned-entrepreneur Maureen Adhiambo.
The business has grown to employ over 40 staff across two locations in Nairobi. It is known for its fresh fish, generous servings, and loyal customer base.
In response to the complaints, the management issued an apology saying that the reasons for closure were beyond their control.
“We really apologise and thank you for always supporting us. These closures were outside our control, but we’re working to ensure such inconveniences are minimized in the future.”
Earlier, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued a travel advisory for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport, saying that several major roads in the city will be fully closed or partially restricted to facilitate the smooth movement of teams, officials, and fans, and to enhance security around the match venue.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
Is it stupidity or is the KK government just plain ignorant?? Don’t they understand such a basic thing like huge events are supposed to boost numbers and sales for businesses? These guys surely have their priorities upside down.