Roads to be closed during Pope Francis’ visit

Nairobi, Kenya: Major roads will be closed from Wednesday evening ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis in Nairobi.

Those to be affected include Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Hailesselassie Avenue, Harambee Avenue and University Way.

Police said Mombasa Road through Uhuru Highway to State House will be blocked on Wednesday evening as the pope arrives.

This will happen as President Kenyatta and his Kenyan team will move to the airport to welcome the pontiff.

Nairobi head of police Japheth Koome said Uhuru Highway will be blocked from Bunyala Road roundabout to Museum Hill overpass to allow a special mass take place at the University of Nairobi graduation square.

"We expect up to a million people at the ground and hence the need to block motorists. Pedestrians will be allowed to pass to the venue," he said.

He said motorists coming from Upperhill direction including Ngong Road and Kawangware will not be allowed to cross Uhuru Highway to the central business district.

Koome said the venue will be open to the public from 4.30 am on Thursday. Motorists driving from Westlands will be diverted to the CBD at Museum overpass while those from Thika Road will access the CBD with no disruption. However some may be blocked at Globe Cinema roundabout.

 Already Thursday has been declared a public holiday.

Those from Jogoo Road too will access the CBD. Police advised motorists from Mombasa Road to park their cars in Syokimau and Imara Daima railway station, Capital Centre, Highway Secondary and Nyayo stadium and either take a train or walk to town.

Those from Thika Road can park at Moi Avenue Primary, St Peters’ Clever while those from Parklands and Westlands can park at Aga Khan primary. Those from Ngong Road and upper hil directions are encouraged to park at Don Bosco church, Upper Hill secondary, St Georges Secondary and near NHIF.

“Public service vehicles from Ngong Road are advised to turn at NHIF. They will not be allowed to the CBD,” said Koome.

He made the remarks when he met security chiefs in the city to lay final plans for the event.

In the evening on Thursday, sections of Limuru Road will be closed to UN headquarters, police said.

On Friday, sections of Kabaserian and Manyani Road and roads around Kangemi will be closed as the Pope will be visiting the area.

Thika Road too will be closed for a while as the Pope and his entourage moves to Kasarani stadium for a speech to the youths.