Police have advised motorists and commuters alike to be clear of major metropolitan highways on Thursday, June 24.
The World Rally Championship will be flagged off at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC), thereby warranting the low-density use of Uhuru and Thika Highways between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. This comes as a public safety concern for both rally participants and a majority of road users.
The vehicles will then pass through Parliament Road, Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Wangari Mathai Road, and then head on to Kasarani through Thika Road.
The Safari Rally vehicles will then make their way back to Thika Road, passing through Muthaiga as they head to Naivasha.
Nairobi Area Traffic Commander Joshua Omukata disclosed that even though the roads would not be closed, there would be constant disruptions until the event wrapped up.
This directive follows the announcement by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i to close off roads leading to Nakuru in the advent of the upcoming rally championship. On selected dates and times, trucks will be prohibited from accessing various points on the Nakuru Highway.
This exercise will be to facilitate required rally protocols as well as for public safety after which road use will resume regular operations.
Fans in Nairobi will be allowed to spectate from 2:00 p.m.at the iconic Kasarani Stadium. On Friday, drivers will race through the course of Chui Lodge through to Kedong Ranch and end for the day at Oserian. On Saturday, the course will run through the Soysambu stage followed by the culturally popular Sleeping Warrior ending at the final stage of Elementaita.
In all the stages, fans will be permitted to spectate and cheer on their favorite drivers but with the direction of trained safety marshals whose presence precedes the ceremonial launch of the rally itself.
On Sunday 27th of June, the final day, racers will begin at the Loldia stage traversing through Hell’s Gate and conclude at Malewa. It is at this point that the power stage will commence, with the participation of World Rally Drivers for bonus points.
Besides road safety requirements, Sports CS Ambassador Amina Mohammed has reiterated the need to adhere to health protocols to ensure safety. She remarked on the government’s preparation to cooperate with fans and participants to curb the spread of the virus during the event.
