CBD roads, bus stops to be closed in Sh500m Ticad logistics plan

Nairobi residents will be locked out of a number of parking lots, bus stops and commercial streets between tomorrow and Monday as part of the State’s Sh500 million logistics plan for hosting the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) delegates.

The 10,000 delegates include Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe and at least 35 African heads of state. All roads leading directly to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the Ticad’s main – venue, will be blocked off to the public.

The affected include Parliament and Taifa roads, Harambee Avenue, City Hall Way, Standard, Mama Ngina and Wabera streets.

Entry into the central business district (CBD) from Nyayo Stadium will be limited to Moi Avenue via Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway or Kenyatta Avenue via the GPO roundabout.

“As a result of road closures, all heavy commercial vehicles, trailers and articulated vehicles bound for Rift Valley region from and headed Mombasa direction are advised to use Southern bypass to access their preferred destinations,” said Leornard Katana, Nairobi Traffic Commandant in a statement.

Security head for Ticad Amos Gathecha indicated that the Kencom bus terminus will be affected, with buses directed to use Moi Avenue to Drop off and pick up passengers.

“Commuters intending to use public service vehicles at the Kencom bus stop should do so along Moi Avenue Service lane (Studio Inn) otherwise Kencom stage will be temporarily closed,” said Mr Katana.

Sources at the Ticad Secretariat said a number of police officers, county buildings and private cabs have been hired to serve the delegates. Other key logistics providers are 94 hotels (conference and accommodation facilities), private security firms and Kenya Airways.

To control the flow of traffic, police officers will be on site as well as road signs indicating the areas accessible to public motorists erected, the county police has said.

Accredited vehicles will be allowed different levels of access depending on the colour of their stickers. The vehicles will have to display the red, blue, yellow, green, black or purple stickers that indicate their designated drop off and parking point.

The parking areas including the Sunken Car Park opposite Jogoo House and the Supreme Court’s parking will be reserved for the cars with access stickers.

TICAD is projected to inject Sh12 billion into the local economy.

The delegates — 4,000 from Japan and 6,000 from various African countries — are double the number of visitors who came to Nairobi during a United Nations conference held last month.

Kenya Airways, city hotels and taxi service providers are set to reap early gains from the event. According to a notice published by the TICAD VI Secretariat, top hotels such as Serena, Nairobi Safari Club, Lilian Towers, InterContinental, Sankara, Hilton, Radisson Blu, Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric are already booked for “special’ guests.

The facilities have reported maximum occupancy for the duration of the conference.