Four main roads in Nairobi will be temporarily closed for a span of two days due to the upcoming African Climate Summit, to be hosted by President William Ruto starting September 4-6 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
According to the event security plans seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the affected roads include; Harambee Avenue from Parliament Roundabout to Taifa Road Junction and 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 will be closed as well.
The roads will be closed from Monday, September 4 at 2:00 am until Wednesday, September 6 at 6:00 pm.
In the same vein, significant traffic congestion are anticipated on several main roads due to the prioritised accommodation arrangements for the 30,000+ international delegates.
According to the government's plans, 58 hotels have been designated to accommodate VIPs, delegates and participants. A majority of the hotels are situated along key routes such as Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Limuru Road.
Additionally, the delegates visiting for a brief two-day period will be hosted in hotels along Thika Road and Ngong Road.
"Appropriate traffic arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth movement of the delegates and visiting dignitaries.
"Parking space at Sunken, Supreme Court, Holy Family Basilica and Charter hall will be closed for public use," read the security plan in part.
Operation of Matatus
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Matatu Welfare Association Chairman Dickson Mbugua confirmed that Public Service Vehicles (PSV) will remain in operation despite the expected disruption.
The chairperson further elaborated that the committee members will work in conjunction with the police to guarantee that Nairobi residents are not inconvenienced by the expected disruptions. He acknowledged that the association is aware that priority will be given to the dignitaries.
Even so, he said that matatu owners will handle the challenge while noting that the police will guide residents on how to manoeuvre on the specified dates.
"This country has been hosting such a kind of conference. PSVs will still continue with their operations. Police are putting measures to ensure that there is little obstruction with the movement of delegates.
"We also have the Nairobi Expressway that the delegates can use from the airport to access the venue. We usually collaborate with the police and we expect the same this time," he stated.
On his part, Motorists Association of Kenya Chairman Peter Murima called on motorists to adhere to the advisories issued by the police to avoid traffic congestion during the summit dates.
"We can be able to absorb the traffic because visitors come with good things. We plead with motorists to bear with the inconveniences that will be caused. We believe police will be able to control the traffic," he stated.
