Motorists using Nairobi’s Central Business District will face temporary road interruptions on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as security teams move to control movement during two major events taking place near each other in the city centre.
The Africa Urban Forum at the Kenya International Conference Centre and President William Ruto’s planned address to the Nairobi County Assembly at City Hall have led authorities to put in place traffic control measures, including closures around key roads, to secure the areas and manage crowds.
According to a traffic advisory issued on Thursday, several roads within the CBD will remain closed until the events are completed. These include City Hall Way, sections of Wabera Street close to City Hall, and the Supreme Court/Parliament Roundabout.
Motorists moving through the CBD will be affected by the diversions, with traffic officers deployed across the affected routes to guide road users and maintain order in surrounding streets. The advisory also encouraged drivers to plan their journeys in advance and take alternative routes to avoid delays.
Parts of the Nairobi CBD roads closed.PHOTO/KPS
“We urge motorists to use alternative routes and follow the directions of traffic officers on site. We regret any inconvenience caused,” the statement read.
President Ruto is set to engage Members of the Nairobi County Assembly at City Hall, an event that marks the first time a Head of State will formally address the Assembly since the introduction of devolution under the 2010 Constitution.
A communication sent to Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi indicated that the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, approved the President’s attendance. The session is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm following an official invitation from the County Assembly.
The meeting is expected to focus on joint programmes between the national government and Nairobi County, following the signing of a Sh80 billion partnership earlier this year aimed at improving service delivery in the capital.
Key areas expected to feature in the discussions include waste management, ongoing efforts to clean and restore the Nairobi River, and wider sanitation initiatives across the city.
Other priorities include infrastructure development such as road upgrades, improved street lighting, affordable housing projects, and the redevelopment of public trading areas including parts of Gikomba Market.
Governor Johnson Sakaja described the planned engagement as a step forward in strengthening cooperation between the two levels of government, noting that similar interactions should be encouraged in other counties. He said, “We agreed he can have a sitting with MCAs. It strengthens devolution and should be replicated in other counties.”
At the same time, the Africa Urban Forum will bring together urban planners, policymakers, and international participants to exchange ideas on sustainable city development and urban management strategies.
With both gatherings drawing large attention and high-level attendance, authorities have urged Nairobi residents and commuters to remain patient, follow instructions from traffic officers, and rely on alternative routes to minimize delays during the day’s activities.
