NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has called on Harambee Stars fans to maintain discipline during the team’s highly anticipated Sunday match against Zambia at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
While acknowledging the team’s impressive performance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), President Ruto urged supporters to demonstrate their best behavior.
“Fans and the people of Kenya, you have done a tremendous job cheering Harambee Stars, but we must do so within the parameters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” he said on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties at State House, Nairobi.
He advised fans without tickets to watch the match at public viewing arenas set up across the city by the Nairobi County government.
The President’s remarks were made in response to the chaotic scenes that occurred during the recent Harambee Stars match against Morocco, which saw supporters breach security at Kasarani. The incident prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to impose a Ksh 12 million fine on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
In light of the security concerns, the government has implemented stricter measures for the upcoming match. Motorists have been advised to avoid using Thika Road on Sunday, August 17.
In a traffic advisory issued by Nairobi County’s Officer Commanding Traffic, Joseph Chirchir, several key roads will be closed, and diversions will be in place to manage traffic flow.
The affected roads include Aerodrome Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout), Lang’ata Road (from Madaraka Roundabout to Lusaka Roundabout), and Mombasa Road (from Lusaka Roundabout to Bunyala Roundabout).
Mr. Chirchir provided several alternative routes for motorists. Those traveling from the Nairobi CBD to Thika Road are advised to use Kiambu Road at Exit 4.
Drivers heading to Mwiki should use the Ruaraka-Baba Dogo-Lucky Summer-Nairobi River route.
Motorists coming to Nairobi from Thika, Juja, or Ruiru should use either the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road, as a roadblock will be in place at the Ruiru interchange.
Vehicles from Githurai heading to the CBD will use the Githurai 44-Kiambu Road.
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For those heading to Kasarani Stadium without vehicle access, the service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8 are designated routes.
Alternatively, motorists from Mombasa Road heading to the CBD can use the Likoni-Enterprise Road at General Motors and the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.
Drivers from Lang’ata Road heading to the CBD should use the Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road at Mbagathi Roundabout.
The comprehensive traffic plan is part of logistical arrangements to ensure the successful and safe hosting of the CHAN 2024 match, which is expected to attract thousands of fans and dignitaries.
