NPS: Roads to be closed ahead Africa Forward Summit

Traffic on Thika Road / FILE

The National Police Service has announced temporary road closures and traffic disruptions in Nairobi ahead of the Africa Forward Summit 2026 scheduled to take place from May 10 to 12.

In a notice issued on Sunday, the police said the measures are aimed at ensuring public safety and facilitating smooth management of the summit.

Motorists have been advised to expect traffic disruptions along major roads, including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, Kiambu Road and within the Nairobi Central Business District.

The police further announced that beginning midnight on Monday, May 11, several roads around the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will be closed to all traffic except vehicles designated for the conference.

The roads set to be closed are City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and Taifa Road.

According to the National Police Service, officers will be deployed across affected areas to manage traffic and maintain order during the event.

Motorists have been urged to cooperate with traffic officers, observe traffic regulations and exercise patience during the temporary disruptions.

The police also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found violating traffic rules.

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to bring together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, and development partners.

Kenya is banking on the upcoming Africa Forward Summit 2026 to deliver major diplomatic, economic and investment gains, with the government projecting the meeting as a turning point in strengthening Africa’s voice in global governance and development financing.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the summit, scheduled for May 11–12 in Nairobi, is expected to bring together African Heads of State, leaders from France, development partners, investors, innovators and civil society representatives to chart a new framework for Africa’s global partnerships.

The government says expectations are particularly high because the summit will, for the first time, be held outside the Francophonie bloc, a move Kenya says reflects a shift toward a more inclusive and Africa-led partnership model.

According to the government, the summit comes at a strategic moment ahead of France’s G7 Presidency in June, offering African leaders an opportunity to push for reforms in global financial systems and greater representation in international decision-making platforms.

President William Ruto is expected to use the forum to advocate for equitable partnerships, sustainable financing and reforms that would give Africa a stronger voice in multilateral institutions.

Among the key expectations from the summit is the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Africa-France Partnership, which is expected to outline new areas of cooperation between African countries and France.

The government also expects the summit to unlock fresh investment and financing opportunities across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and digital transformation.