The much-anticipated Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to kick off this Saturday, August 2nd, and while football enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement, city dwellers are urged to brace for significant traffic disruptions.

With Kenya co-hosting this prestigious tournament begining, ensuring smooth operations for teams, officials, and fans is paramount, leading to strategic road closures across the capital.

Nairobi County Traffic Commanding Officer Joseph Chirchir released a statement on Thursday, outlining the key arteries that will be affected and the designated alternative routes.

Motorists will need to adjust their Sunday plans as Aerodrome Road (from Madaraka to Bunyala Roundabout), sections of Lang’ata Road, and parts of Mombasa Road (between Madaraka and Lusaka, and Lusaka and Bunyala roundabouts, one side each) will be inaccessible.

For those navigating the city, diversions are clearly mapped out. If you’re coming from Mombasa Road heading to the CBD, consider the Likoni-Enterprise Road at General Motors or the Southern Bypass at Ole Sereni.

Lang’ata Road commuters approaching the city centre should opt for Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road at Mbagathi Roundabout.

Drivers from the CBD heading towards Thika, Ruiru, or Juja are advised to use Limuru Road or Kiambu Road.

Public service vehicles transporting fans to Kasarani Stadium have a specific route via Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road, connecting through Ngomongo Road to Ngomongo Roundabout.

Similarly, motorists from Thika Road should consider the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road.

Chirchir emphasized the importance of cooperation, urging all road users to follow the directives of traffic police officers and plan their journeys well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.

These measures, he stressed, are crucial for facilitating smooth traffic flow and ensuring the security of the tournament.

The CHAN tournament, first held in 2009, is a unique competition designed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to showcase homegrown talent.

Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), only players actively competing in their domestic leagues are eligible, providing a vital platform for many to catch the eye of international scouts.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco currently hold the most titles with two each, while Senegal are the reigning champions.

With teams like Niger and Morocco already touching down in the host nations, the stage is set for a thrilling football spectacle. Nairobi is ready to welcome the continent’s finest local stars, even if it means a slight detour for our daily commute.