Ahead of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, motorists and boda boda riders in Homa Bay have been issued strict movement and parking directives.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance security during the national event set to take place at Raila Odinga Stadium, Regional Commissioner for Nyanza, Flora Mworoa, outlined select parking lots and alternative routes ahead of the event, anticipating 15,000 guests.
Speaking on Saturday, Mworoa emphasised the need for coordinated transport management due to the high number of dignitaries, officials, and citizens expected to attend the event.
''We have detailed plans for crowd control, traffic diversion, emergency response, and designated parking areas, to ensure the safety of all participants,'' Mworoa said.
Travellers from Kisumu and Kendu Bay heading to Mbita, Oyugis, Rongo, Kisii, and Migori have been advised to divert at Olare to Imbo–Rodi, while those coming from Kisii, Migori, and Oyugis en route to Kisumu should use Rodi to Imbo, rejoining the main road at Olare.
Additionally, vehicles arriving from Rodi into Homa Bay but not attending the celebrations will be diverted at the Kodoyo/Mbita junction to the main matatu stage, minimising congestion on key roads surrounding the event venue.
Parking zones will include: Asego Comprehensive School, KMTC, Tourist Hotel, Got Rabuor Primary and Secondary Schools, and SDA Central Church. Buses will be stationed at Homa Bay Primary School, while Government of Kenya (GOK) vehicles will park at Homa Bay Police Station and the County Commissioner’s office compound.
Roads around the stadium, State Lodge, and the County Commissioner’s office will be closed to regular traffic, with access restricted to dignitaries.
All boda boda riders have been directed to use the main matatu stage, alongside the matatus, for parking to ease congestion and ensure easy access for riders while maintaining order around the stadium.
Mworoa urged all motorists, boda boda riders, and pedestrians to adhere to the outlined traffic directives, emphasising that enforcement officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), and emergency response units will be deployed to manage crowd control and security operations.
Homa Bay is highly hyped for the Madaraka Day celebrations, which the county says have opened up opportunities and poised it for development.
Among the guests expected to attend are President William Ruto, President Nataša Pirc Musar of Slovenia, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among other top dignitaries.
