Police Announce Major Road Closures in Nairobi Ahead of Africa Forward Summit

The National Police Service has issued a detailed notice regarding road closures and redirected traffic flow to facilitate the smooth running of the Africa Forward Summit 2026, which is scheduled to take place from May 10 to May 12. 

The summit, a joint venture between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron of France, is expected to attract over 30 African Heads of State and Government. Given the high-profile nature of these guests, the police have identified several key arterial roads that will experience significant disruptions.

 Motorists using Mombasa Road, Langata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road have been advised to expect delays and intermittent stoppages as motorcades move between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, various diplomatic residences, and the summit venues.

Which Major Roads Will Be Closed to the Public?

The most stringent measures will be felt within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). The police have confirmed that starting at midnight on Monday, May 11, 2026, four major roads surrounding the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) will be completely closed to the general public.

 These include City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Taifa Road. Only vehicles with official summit accreditation and those destined specifically for the conference will be granted access to this high-security zone.

The Africa Forward Summit is not just a routine meeting; it is a strategic platform focusing on seven transformative pillars, including AI, green industrialization, and digital technologies. 

Officials have emphasized that the presence of such a high number of African presidents and global innovators necessitates seamless coordination across government. The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are working in tandem with the National Police Service to ensure that the infrastructure supports the weight of this international gathering.

How Will Security and Traffic Flow Be Managed?

Public safety remains at the forefront of this temporary disruption. The National Police Service is collaborating with various security agencies to manage the influx of over 4,000 delegates. 

While the closures may pose a challenge to the daily routines of Nairobi residents and commuters, the authorities have urged for patience and cooperation. 

Traffic officers will be heavily deployed along the affected routes to provide guidance and ensure that the flow of vehicles remains as efficient as possible under the circumstances.

The police have also sent out a stern warning: strict action will be taken against any person found violating traffic rules or disregarding the instructions of officers on the ground.