Nairobi motorists should brace for heavy traffic on major roads, including Mombasa and Lang’ata, ahead of Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 opener on Sunday, August 3. Authorities advise early travel planning to avoid delays.
Nairobi is buzzing with anticipation as the Harambee Stars prepare to kick off their campaign in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The city is set to host a historic moment as Kenya makes its debut in the tournament, co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania. However, the excitement comes with a heads-up for Nairobi residents: expect significant traffic disruptions as key roads are closed to ensure smooth operations and enhanced security for the much-anticipated match.
The African Nations Championship, a biennial tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is unique in that it features only players active in their domestic leagues, giving homegrown talent a chance to shine. For Kenya, hosting CHAN 2024 is not just a sporting milestone but also a dry run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host. The Harambee Stars, led by coach Benni McCarthy, are in Group A alongside formidable opponents: two-time champions DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. The opening match against DR Congo at 3:00 PM on August 3 has sparked immense excitement, with tickets for the Kasarani Stadium clash completely sold out, reflecting the passion of Kenyan football fans.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) chair, Nicholas Musonye, highlighted the enthusiasm, stating, “This is a clear sign of the enthusiasm and excitement among football fans, not only in Kenya but across the continent.” Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya echoed this sentiment, urging fans to embrace the “Pamoja” spirit and assuring them of tight security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The sold-out status of the opener, with regular tickets priced at Sh200, VIP at Sh500, and VVIP at Sh1,000, underscores the high demand and the electric atmosphere expected at Kasarani.
To facilitate smooth movement for fans and ensure security during the CHAN matches, the Kenya Police Service has announced temporary road closures across Nairobi on Sunday, August 3. Nairobi County Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir-CP issued a notice outlining the affected roads and alternative routes to help motorists navigate the disruptions. The closures are designed to manage the influx of fans heading to Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, where additional matches will be held.
Aerodrome Road: Fully closed to all traffic.
Lang’ata Road: Partial closure, with one side affected to accommodate tournament-related traffic.
Mombasa Road: Partial closure, impacting one side of this major artery.
Thika Road: Expect disruptions, particularly for those traveling to and from Kasarani.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use the following alternative routes to avoid delays:
From Nairobi CBD to Thika Road, Ruiru, Juja, or Thika: Use Limuru Road or Kiambu Road.
From Thika Road to Nairobi CBD: Opt for the Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road.
Public Service Vehicles (Matatus): Matatus heading to Kasarani are directed to use Ruaraka-Baba Dogo Road and Ngomongo Road to reach the Ngomongo Roundabout.
Traffic police officers will be deployed across the city to manage flow and ensure compliance with these directives. Posts on X have echoed these warnings, with users like @biznakenya and @GudaExperience urging drivers to brace for disruptions and use alternative routes such as the Southern Bypass, Likoni-Enterprise, or Raila Odinga Road. Motorists are encouraged to heed these instructions to minimize inconvenience.
The Harambee Stars are entering CHAN 2024 with a mix of optimism and challenges. Coach Benni McCarthy, a South African tactician, has been reshaping the team’s identity, but his preparations have been disrupted by the departure of key players to foreign clubs and injuries. Notably, star forward Mohammed Bajaber was ruled out due to a thigh injury and his subsequent transfer to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, which rendered him ineligible under CHAN’s domestic player rule. Other players, including strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, who joined Zambian club Power Dynamos, and defender Ronney Onyango, now with Norwegian club Sogndal Football, also became ineligible after moving abroad.
McCarthy expressed his frustration over Bajaber’s exit, noting, “We had to make a decision on whether to keep one of our better players in the team and hope that he would recover in time for the knockout stages... it would be unfair on the other players who work hard.” To fill these gaps, McCarthy called up Shabana FC’s Brian Michira, Tusker FC’s Chrispin Errambo, and Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi as replacements. Additionally, health concerns led to the exclusion of Brian Musa (hamstring injury) and Swaleh Pamba (heart condition), further testing the squad’s depth.
Despite these setbacks, the team remains confident. Captain Aboud Omar, who plays for Kenya Police FC, emphasized the positive mood in camp, stating, “The squad is good, we have prepared enough, and we are ready for the game on Sunday.” Defender Alphonse Omija echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Stars are unafraid of their “Group of Death” opponents, including two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco. Striker Ryan Ogam, a standout from Tusker FC, is particularly optimistic, targeting at least one or two goals per match and aiming for a strong group-stage performance.
The final 25-man squad is a balanced mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, with McCarthy banking on home support to propel the team. Key players include:
Goalkeeper: Faruk Shikhalo (Muhoroni Youth FC), a veteran expected to be the first-choice keeper.
Defenders: Aboud Omar (captain), Alphonse Omija, Daniel Sakari, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, and others.
Midfielders: Brian Michira, Chrispin Errambo, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, and more.
Forwards: Ryan Ogam, Edward Omondi, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, and Felix Oluoch, who notably declined a move abroad to stay with the team.
Youngster Austin Odongo, the squad’s “last born,” is eager to prove his worth, having scored seven goals in his debut FKF Premier League season with Shabana FC. “If I get my chance, I am ready to take it,” Odongo told Telecomasia.net, highlighting the tournament as a platform for exposure and potential career-defining moments.
The CHAN 2024 opener is not just a sporting event but a cultural and economic catalyst for Nairobi. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president, Hussein Mohammed, announced that Harambee Stars jerseys are available at a discounted rate of Ksh 1,500 (down from Ksh 2,500) at Sonalux, Moi Avenue, and online at Eastwest.co.ke until August 7. This move has sparked a frenzy among fans eager to show their support in style.
The sold-out match has also prompted strict regulations to ensure safety, with the LOC banning vuvuzelas, megaphones, and takeaway food at the stadium. The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums marks a historic first for Kenya, enhancing the match experience. The CAF has also boosted the tournament’s prize pool to $10.4 million, with the champions set to earn $3.5 million, adding further stakes to the competition.
Nairobi’s hosting of CHAN 2024 underscores its growing stature as a hub for African football. The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium have been refurbished to meet CAF standards, with Kasarani hosting the final on August 30. The arrival of teams like Morocco and DR Congo in Nairobi has added to the city’s cosmopolitan vibe, with cultural receptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport showcasing Kenya’s hospitality.
The tournament is also a chance for Nairobi to showcase its infrastructure and organizational capabilities ahead of AFCON 2027. However, the road closures highlight the logistical challenges of hosting such a large-scale event in a bustling city. Motorists are urged to stay updated via traffic alerts and plan their routes to avoid delays, ensuring that the focus remains on the footballing spectacle.
As Nairobi gears up for the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 opener against DR Congo, the city is alive with football fever. The sold-out Kasarani Stadium, the vibrant squad led by Benni McCarthy, and the passionate fanbase promise an unforgettable day. However, motorists must navigate significant traffic disruptions, with key roads like Aerodrome, Lang’ata, and Mombasa affected. By using alternative routes and planning ahead, residents can join in the “Pamoja” spirit and support the Harambee Stars in their historic debut. Whether you’re a football fan or a commuter, August 3, 2025, is set to be a day of high energy and high stakes in Nairobi.
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