Football is coming home but first, Nairobi has to make room for it.
As Kenya prepares to host this year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) starting Saturday, August 2, city drivers are being warned: expect serious traffic changes on Sunday.
Several major roads in Nairobi will be shut down for the day to allow smooth travel for teams, fans, and match officials heading to and from key stadiums. Police say this is all part of efforts to keep the tournament safe and organised.
“Motorists should plan ahead. We don’t want last-minute chaos,” said Joseph Chirchir, Nairobi’s County Traffic Commander. “We’ve set up clear alternative routes and officers will be on the ground all day to help.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Roads That Will Be Closed
- Aerodrome Road – from Madaraka to Bunyala Roundabout
- Lang’ata Road – key sections near the city centre
- Mombasa Road – between Madaraka and Lusaka Roundabout, and between Lusaka and Bunyala Roundabout (only one side of each)
What Are Your Options?
- Coming from Mombasa Road to town? Use Likoni–Enterprise Road at General Motors or the Southern Bypass via Ole Sereni.
- From Lang’ata Road to town? Try Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road through Mbagathi Roundabout.
- Heading to Thika or Ruiru from the CBD? Take Limuru Road or Kiambu Road.
- Travelling to Kasarani Stadium? Public service vehicles will be directed through Ruaraka–Baba Dogo Road, then Ngomongo Road to Ngomongo Roundabout.
For those coming from Thika Road, alternatives include the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road.
Chirchir urged drivers to follow directions from officers and allow extra travel time. “This isn’t just about traffic. It’s about safety and making the event successful for everyone,” he said.
What’s All the Fuss About?
CHAN 2025 isn’t just another football tournament. It’s a special event by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that celebrates talent from within Africa’s domestic leagues. That means all players must be based in their home countries’ local clubs no foreign-based stars allowed.
It’s a platform where unknown players can become heroes and maybe even get spotted by international scouts.
Since it began in 2009, CHAN has grown in popularity. Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo have each won it twice. Senegal are the current champions.
Now, the spotlight turns to Nairobi. With teams like Niger and Morocco already in town, the mood is electric even if it means a bit of inconvenience on the roads.
“It’s only for a day, and it’s for something good,” said Diana Kibet, a football fan who lives near South B. “We’ve hosted rallies and political parades before this is way more fun.”
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just trying to get to work, Sunday will need patience and planning.
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