Motorists and commuters using the Thika Superhighway were stuck in long tailbacks as fans made their way to the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, ahead of the much-anticipated Harambee Stars quarterfinal match against Madagascar.
The heavy gridlock was largely a result of the early closure of roads leading to the stadium.
Thika Road inbound lanes before the Ruiru Kamakis interchange, along with Kiambu Road and the northern and eastern bypasses, were the most affected as motorists were diverted from the superhighway before reaching the Kasarani area.
Traffic came to a complete halt at the Kamakis intersection with the Eastern Bypass.
Movement to and from Nairobi’s Central Business District along Thika Road was brought to a standstill after the road was closed in both directions.
Heavy Traffic on Thika Road as Fans Head to Kasarani
Roadblocks were mounted at the Kamaki’s intersection and at Muthaiga, with motorists from the CBD redirected to Kiambu Road via Exit 4.
Earlier, angry motorists forcefully broke through police barricades on Thika Road and drove into Nairobi CBD.
Thika road was closed as early as 7:00 am. Kenyans on social media voiced their frustration with the government’s decision to close roads early in the morning, hours before the match, which was scheduled for 5:00pm.
Police said the measures are necessary to ensure fans reach the stadium safely, smooth traffic flow and maintain safety around key routes leading to Kasarani.
National Police Service (NPS) has deployed additional officers along Thika Road and surrounding feeder routes to manage traffic.
Also Read: How to Watch Kenya vs Madagascar Match Without a Ticket
Alternatives Issued for Motorists
NPS had on Thursday August 21 issued a traffic advisory for motorists navigating Nairobi and its environs.
Those traveling from Nairobi CBD toward Thika Road, including Ruiru, Juja, and Thika, are advised to use Kiambu Road via Exit 4, as a roadblock has been set up at Muthaiga.
Vehicles on Thika Superhighway heading to Mwiki are directed to use the Ruaka–Baba Ndogo–Lucky Summer–Nairobi River–Mwiki route.
Meanwhile, motorists coming from Thika, Juja, and Ruiru toward Nairobi CBD should opt for the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, with a roadblock currently in place at Ruiru Interchange.
Drivers from Githurai heading to the city were advised to use the Githurai 44–Kiambu Road route.
Also Read: NPS Lists Roads That Will Be Closed on Friday and Alternative Routes
Additionally, motorists traveling from Nairobi CBD to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, without vehicle access passes, are advised to use the service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8.
The Harambee Stars clash against Madagascar kicks off at 5 pm at Kasarani Stadium, and Thika Road is expected to remain closely monitored until traffic normalises post-match.
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