Sections of Thika Road closed ahead of Harambee Stars vs Gambia clash

Motorists heading to the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani through Thika Road and adjoining routes should expect traffic disruptions on Friday, September 5, 2025.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said police will implement road diversions to ease movement ahead of the much-anticipated 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier clash between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Gambia.

According to the traffic advisory, diversions will take effect from 6am, with several sections of Thika Road and feeder roads being closed to ease congestion around Kasarani Stadium.

“Heading to Kasarani? Big match day means traffic changes! On Friday 5 September 2025, from 6 am, diversions will affect Thika Road and routes to MISC Kasarani. Please take note of the temporary diversions, use alternative roads, and plan ahead,” stated FKF.

Motorists travelling from Nairobi CBD to Ruiru, Juja and Thika have been advised to use the Kiambu Road exit at junction 4. A roadblock will be set up in Muthaiga.

Those travelling from Thika Road towards Mwiki have been advised to use the Ruaka–Baba Dogo–Lucky Summer–Nairobi River–Mwiki route.

Those heading towards the Nairobi CBD from Thika, Juja and Ruiru have been advised to use the Northern Bypass or Kiambu Road. Police are expected to set up a roadblock at the Ruiru interchange.

Those travelling from Githurai towards the CBD have been advised to use the Githurai 44–Kiambu Road route. Those heading to Kasarani Stadium from the CBD without vehicle access passes have been advised to use the service lane at exits 7 and 8.

All motorists are urged to cooperate with the police officers present to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

According to FKF, additional police officers have been deployed, and stern action will be taken against anyone who violates the traffic rules.

“The national police service continues to work collaboratively with relevant agencies and urges all motorists to cooperate with officers on-site to ensure smooth traffic flow. additional police officers have been deployed and will take stern action against anyone violating traffic rules,” the statement read.

Tickets sold out

In a related update, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that regular tickets, priced at Sh200, have already sold out.

Interestingly, VVIP tickets—never officially released for public sale—have also been declared unavailable.

Ticket sales for other categories are moving fast: about 70 percent of Silver tickets (Sh500) are gone, alongside 25 percent of VIP tickets (Sh1,000) and 10 percent of Gold tickets (Sh2,000).

The strong demand reflects the massive turnout expected, fueled by the Harambee Stars’ growing fan base, especially after their impressive support during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

On the pitch, Kenya faces an uphill battle in the qualifiers. With four group-stage matches remaining, the Stars sit fourth with six points. Gabon leads the group on 18 after a 4–0 win over Seychelles, leaving Kenya with a maximum possible tally of 18 if they win all their remaining games.

For a chance at progression, Kenya must hope second-placed Ivory Coast slip up—starting with their clash against Burundi on Friday. That could open a narrow path for Kenya to finish second and possibly qualify as one of the four best runners-up, advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.