It is al systems go for the Africa Climate Summit (ACS) which will be held alongside the Africa Climate Week (ACW) in week Nairobi beginning tomorrow.
All preparatory arrangements including security detail, road closures and traffic plans within and around the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) have been finalised.
Yesterday, multi-agency security teams staged a full simulation test of various events.
The event is slated to run from tomorrow to September 8, 2023.
The event, co-hosted by Kenya government and the African Union Commission, with president William Ruto as the chairperson of the summit.
While addressing the media yesterday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Nairobi City has been zoned for ease of security management, with Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, and Taifa Road and the adjacent buildings marked ‘red’.
“Those who wish to carry on with their daily activities in areas outside the “Red” are free to do so, and cooperate with security officers should they be asked to. Those working within this zone will be required to produce their employee badges and official identification documents at the police barriers.” Omollo noted.
He added that police officers and marshals will be available to provide direction on the movement and flow of people and vehicles into and out of the city.
The security protocols and logistics were subjected to a full simulation test, which featured a dry-run of the arrival of dignitaries at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and movement to Nairobi CBD.
Others included activities at the main venue, emergency responses, as well as the general flow of traffic and crowd control measures.
Omollo said the government has concluded all the necessary preparations for the event.
All security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, key among them Heads of State and dignitaries from various countries across the globe, he added.
A multi-agency security team of about 4,000 officers has been deployed to secure the venue of the event and provide the delegates with the required logistical support before, during and after the Summit.
The team comprises personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the General Service Unit (GSU), General Duty Police Officers as well as the National Youth Service (NYS).
“Specialized units have also been deployed at strategic locations to provide technical security support during this period.”
several roads within Nairobi CBD as red zones reserved for Africa Climate Summit delegates.
Bungei said the cordon which took effect on Friday seeks to facilitate smooth movement for the delegates during the conference.
Bungei called on motorists to avoid inconvenience by using alternative routes which include the Eastern Bypass, Wangari Maathai Road, Outer Ring Road as well and the Southern Bypass.
The police listed Valley Road, Lusaka Road, Haile Selassie Avenue and University Way as alternative routes for accessing the Central Business District.
The summit aims to champion a green growth agenda and climate finance solutions for Africa and the world.
At least 17 Heads of State and Government, including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres are among high-ranking dignitaries who have confirmed attendance.
The conference has created a huge business opportunity for hotels, with 58 designated to accommodate VIPs, delegates, and participants.
This will see movements on the said routes, officials said.
A majority of the hotels are situated along key routes such as Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Limuru Road. This may also affect traffic on the mentioned roads.
Some delegates will be hosted in hotels along Thika Road and Ngong Road with these two busy roads also mapped for temporary traffic hitches.
Parking spaces earmarked for the function are; The Sunken parking near KenyaRe, Supreme Court, Holy Family Basilica, and Charter Hall. All these will be closed for public use according to security planners.
Public transport will also be affected by the disruptions.
Bungei advised motorists to plan accordingly.
“You are urged to adhere to the advisories issued by the police to avoid traffic congestion during the summit dates. Plan your schedules accordingly.” Bungei noted.
