He explained that that despite the interruptions, movement of vehicles will go on and urged motorists to take advantage of the Northern and Southern by-passes/AFP-File
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 22 – Police have announced that traffic will be disrupted on major roads in Nairobi from Friday 2pm, hours before US President Barack Obama arrives.
Speaking following a briefing with all divisional police chiefs, Nairobi Traffic Commandant Edward Mwamburi pointed out that roads to be affected include Mombasa Road from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.
“As far as traffic management is concerned during the visit of the US President, the following roads will be affected; obviously Mombasa Road, down to Uhuru Highway all the way to parts of Waiyaki Way will be affected. The roads that lead into certain sections of the CBD as you head to Haile Selassie, Moi Avenue roundabout will also be affected down to Landhies road,” he stated.
He explained that that despite the interruptions, movement of vehicles will go on and urged motorists to take advantage of the Northern and Southern by-passes. READ: 10,000 police officers deployed for Obama visit.
“If you are a motorist and you have no issues within the CBD, then take advantage of the Southern by-pass if you are coming from the Western side,” he advised.
“You can also take the other side of Ruaka Road so that you can join the Northern by-pass so as to avoid Waiyaki Way and the CBD in general. For those who reside in between Kikuyu and Westlands area along Waiyaki way, then you can also take advantage of the many U-turns that are at intersections within Waiyaki Way, for instance, James Gichuru Road. That is one way that can link you up to Ngong Road so that you access other parts of this county.”
He pointed out that no vehicles will be allowed to pass through Westlands from Friday afternoon and called on motorists to use various linkages as they go about their business.
“For your information, around Westlands, there will be no vehicles allowed beyond that point. Likewise, from University Way on certain times of the day, you will not be able to access beyond Waiyaki Way on to Westlands. Limuru Road of course will be used especially on Saturday and therefore you may not be able to access that area. Again motorists should take advantage of the linkages that exist in between, including the use of Kikuyu Road and of course the other side of the road like accessing Kikuyu through the Northern by-pass,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for everyone to fully cooperate with police officers so as not to create a gridlock during this period.
“I will also request that we should accommodate any changes that may come in between. As you are aware, we have reinforcements including the traffic police officers and therefore there is need for all motorists to comply with the directives of these officers manning the various sections of our roads within the county so that you can have a bearable movement of the vehicles,” he stated.
“I am creating general awareness because of the real fact that there will be variations in the timings. But for Friday as from 2pm, you may not be able to use Waiyaki Way including Chiromo and Museum Hill roads up to late into the night. The following day of course will be a Saturday, there will be a lot of movement towards Thika Road and therefore the roads around there will experience some interruptions when it is absolutely necessary and that is why I emphasise that we need to oblige when our officers direct us to divert to a particular road.”
Nairobi County Police Chief Benson Kibue emphasised the need to keep off venues which are invites only.
There is no such arrangement to meet people at the Kasarani arena, but people will avail themselves on the route. In his visit, apart from the Global Entrepreneurship Summit at the UN Headquarters Gigiri, any other place will be by invitation so do not expect the visiting head of state to meet Kenyans at the Stadium in Kasarani,” he said.
President Obama is arriving in the country on Friday night for a series of private and official engagements.
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