Kisumu County has announced temporary road closures within the central business district to allow for the safe staging of a car drift show that will form part of the annual Kisumu End of Year Festival (KEYFEST).
In a public notice, City Manager Abala Wanga said the motorsport showcase is scheduled to take place on December 27, 2025, and will require the temporary closure of several key road sections to ensure public safety and smooth coordination of the event.
According to the notice, a section of the Nairobi Road Highway will be closed to all vehicular traffic for one hour, from 11 am to noon.
In addition, sections of Oginga Odinga Street and Ang’awa Avenue will be closed for a longer period, from 8 am to 3 pm to facilitate event setup, performances, and crowd management.
Wanga said the closures are necessary to allow organisers to conduct the car drift show in a controlled environment while minimising risks to motorists, pedestrians, and spectators.
He noted that the county has put in place a series of measures aimed at reducing disruption to normal traffic flow and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Among the measures announced is close coordination with the National Police Service, which will oversee traffic management and provide security during the event.
The City Management will also deploy trained traffic marshals to guide motorists and pedestrians around the affected areas and direct them to alternative routes.
“Motorists are kindly requested to use these alternative routes and to plan their journeys accordingly,” Wanga said. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation in making this event a success.”
KEYFEST is an annual event designed to promote community cohesion, celebrate Kisumu’s cultural diversity, and create networking opportunities for local stakeholders, businesses, and residents.
Over the years, the festival has grown into a major attraction, drawing large crowds and contributing to the city’s end-of-year tourism and hospitality economy.
This year’s edition will feature a variety of cultural, entertainment, and social activities, with organisers partnering with Al Husnain Motors Ltd. to stage a car drift showcase as part of the festival programme.
The drift show is expected to be one of the highlights of the event, attracting motorsport enthusiasts and curious spectators alike.
A car drift show is a motorsport entertainment event in which skilled drivers deliberately cause their vehicles to oversteer, making the rear wheels lose traction while the driver maintains control through corners.
Unlike traditional racing, where speed and lap times are the primary focus, drifting is judged on factors such as style, precision, speed, angle, and the driver’s ability to sustain a controlled slide.
Drivers typically use powerful, rear-wheel-drive cars that have been specially modified with high-performance engines, reinforced suspension systems, and specialised tyres to withstand the intense demands of drifting.
During the show, spectators can expect to see cars sliding sideways at high speeds, producing clouds of tyre smoke and loud engine sounds that add to the spectacle.
Drift shows often include synchronised runs, stunt manoeuvres, and close-proximity driving designed to showcase driver skill and entertain the audience.
Such displays have become increasingly popular at festivals, exhibitions, and motorsport events, blending technical driving ability with showmanship.
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