Motorists plying the Thika Superhighway on Friday, August 22, will face traffic disruptions as police mount roadblocks at Muthaiga and Ruiru Interchange ahead of Harambee Stars’ African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) quarter-final against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium.
In a statement, the National Police Service directed motorists from the city centre heading to Thika Road to use Kiambu Road at Exit 4, while those from Thika, Juja and Ruiru travelling to Nairobi should use Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road. Vehicles without access passes to Kasarani will be diverted to service lanes at Exit 7 and Exit 8.
Police urged motorists to comply with officers at diversion points, warning that those flouting traffic rules will face stern action.
The disruption coincides with Kenya’s first appearance in the knockout stage of a continental tournament in 38 years.
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Head coach Benni McCarthy earlier urged his squad to manage the occasion with composure.
“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches but for the country as well,” said McCarthy at a press conference.
“None of these players has ever been at this stage before, so the most important thing is to stay calm and not let the weight of the moment overwhelm us,” he added.
Kenya remains unbeaten after four group games at Kasarani, collecting three wins and one draw.
Madagascar, which topped a group that included Morocco and DR Congo, will provide a stern test.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to lift the current 60 per cent stadium capacity limit at Kasarani.
Organisers have also expanded the official fan zones from 10 to 13 in Nairobi and Mombasa to accommodate the increased demand.
Kenya meets Madagascar in the opening CHAN 2024 quarter-final on Friday evening at Kasarani.
Tanzania plays Morocco later in Dar es Salaam, while Uganda faces Senegal, and Sudan takes on Algeria on Saturday.
The CHAN 2024 semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday, with the final set for Saturday next week, a day after the third-place playoff.