NAIROBI, Kenya – Traffic movement across Nairobi and its metropolitan areas was severely disrupted on Thursday morning following the deployment of heavy security personnel and the establishment of multiple police roadblocks ahead of June 25 memorial protests.
Motorists and commuters reported delays, diversions, and road closures on major routes leading into the Central Business District (CBD), forcing many to walk to their destinations despite government assurances that the day would proceed as a normal working day.
In Kangemi, several PSVs were turned back and denied access towards the city centre, leaving some commuters stranded and forcing others to continue their journeys on foot.
A heavy police presence was also reported around the General Post Office (GPO) area in Nairobi’s CBD, with motorists advised to approach the area cautiously.
Along Lang’ata Road, inbound traffic was blocked at Nyayo Stadium, while the Nairobi West Roundabout was closed to vehicles, preventing motorists from proceeding past the junction.
On Ngong Road, multiple checkpoints were mounted, with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) reportedly stopping and screening vehicles near the West Park area.
Major traffic disruptions were also reported at the Maasai Lodge Junction in Rongai, where roadblocks caused significant delays for motorists.
In Lower Kabete, police mounted roadblocks at Kingero Junction along the Western Bypass, restricting private vehicles and turning back PSVs headed towards Nairobi.
The Thika Road corridor experienced widespread congestion following the establishment of checkpoints near TRM and surrounding areas. Similar operations were reported in Ruiru, Githurai and Allsops, where PSVs were blocked from entering the CBD and private motorists subjected to screening.
Traffic flow along Waiyaki Way was also affected after a blockage at the 87 Uthiru area, with a secondary checkpoint mounted at the Kangemi flyover.
Meanwhile, long queues of vehicles, particularly trucks, were reported in Limuru Town as congestion continued to build, although the exact cause of the delays was not immediately established.
The heightened security measures come ahead of commemorative activities marking two years since the June 25 anti-government protests, which drew thousands of young Kenyans to the streets and left a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.
Authorities had not immediately issued a comprehensive statement on the widespread traffic disruptions. Still, road users should expect further delays, diversions, and movement restrictions across major routes in and out of Nairobi.