NAIROBI, Kenya- Motorists in Nairobi are being advised to expect significant traffic disruptions after authorities announced the closure of several major roads within the city centre and key access routes.
According to official traffic advisories, the measures are meant to facilitate the smooth hosting of the African Forward Summit 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
Among the roads affected in the Central Business District are City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Taifa Road, which will be closed from midnight on May 11, with access restricted mainly to accredited vehicles and convoy movements.
Traffic police have also indicated that major highways leading into the city, including Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Lang’ata Road, Limuru Road and Kiambu Road, will experience intermittent closures and heavy traffic regulation during the period of the summit.
Authorities say the closures are necessary to manage the movement of high-level delegates, security convoys and summit-related logistics, with officers deployed across key junctions to guide motorists.
“The National Police Service is working collaboratively with relevant agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow and a successful event,” the statement read.
The disruptions are expected to last between May 11 and May 12, with motorists urged to use alternative routes, plan ahead and cooperate with traffic officers on duty.
Key bypasses and alternative corridors are expected to absorb diverted traffic, though congestion is likely during peak hours.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise patience, comply with traffic officers’ instructions and observe all road regulations during the period of disruption.
Police also warned that strict action will be taken against any individuals who violate traffic rules or attempt to access restricted zones without authorization.
The disruptions are expected to last throughout the summit period, with officers deployed along major highways and CBD junctions to manage traffic flow and security operations.
