Key Nairobi roads to be closed for three days

By Peter Ochieng 

Four major roads will be closed for three days in the Capital, Nairobi, during the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) next week.

The Summit will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from Monday, 4th to Wednesday 6th September, 2023.

Roads to be closed are: Harambee Avenue from Parliament Roundabout to Taifa Road Junction, Taifa Road from Harambee Avenue Junction to City Hall Way Junction, City Hallway Junction from Holy Family Basilica Roundabout to Taifa Road Junction, and Parliament Road from Harambee Avenue Roundabout to the City Hallway Roundabout.

The temporary closure will run from 2:00am on Monday, to 6.00pm Wednesday.

President William Ruto will open the Summit, with 30, 000 delegates expected to attend.

The summit, according to the cabinet, had attracted immense global interest.

“In affirmation of Kenya’s global leadership in climate change, the cabinet noted that the Africa Climate Summit set to be hosted in Nairobi had attracted immense global interest. The Summit will be graced by two dozen Heads of State and government, high level representatives of development partners and international institutions, as well as subject experts; with the number of delegates expected to be 30, 000,” reads a cabinet dispatch shared on Tuesday.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and his predecessor Ban Ki-Moon are among high-ranking dignitaries who have confirmed attendance.

Matatu Welfare Association (MOA) Chairman Dickson Mbugua assured commuters that they have put in relevant measures to minimize inconvenience, during the Summit.

“Matatu Welfare Association has confirmed that Public Service Vehicles (PSV) will remain in operation in conjunction with the police to guarantee that the Nairobi residents are not inconvenienced by the expected disruptions,” said Mbugua.

He advised motorists to plan accordingly.

“You are urged to adhere to the advisories issued by the police to avoid traffic congestion during the summit dates. Plan your schedules accordingly.”

At least 4,000 police officers will be available to ensure the safety of delegates and dignitaries attending the Summit.