NAIROBI TRAFFIC MESS: UPROAR AS POLICE CLOSE THIKA ROAD

Nairobi motorists on Friday September 5, 2025, morning, September 5, 2025, were caught in gridlock after police closed sections of the Thika Superhighway ahead of the World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gambia at Kasarani Stadium.
The National Police Service announced the closure from 6 a.m., directing vehicles heading to and from Nairobi CBD, Thika, Ruiru, and Juja to use Kiambu Road and the Northern Bypass. Motorists without access passes to the stadium were ordered to use service lanes at exits 7 and 8.
The move sparked outrage, with commuters questioning why one of the city’s busiest highways was shut down hours before the 4 p.m. match. Sports journalist Kevin Teya criticized the decision as “completely absurd,” while other Kenyans on social media dismissed the directive as poor planning and a display of incompetence.
Traffic snarl-ups stretched for kilometers, with many motorists stranded for hours. Analysts urged authorities to adopt better crowd and traffic management strategies to avoid paralyzing the city during sporting events.