Major roads around Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi were Monday blocked by police ahead of the start of the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week 2023.
Police declared Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, Taifa Road and the adjacent buildings marked “Red Zone” for security reasons.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei who is overseeing multi-agency teams for security said they had deployed enough officials to ensure the smooth running of the event.
“Those working within this zone will be required to produce their employee badges and official identification documents at the police barriers,” he said.
He added 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.
Bungei said police at the barriers have been asked to listen to explanations provided by those seeking to access the areas.
“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,” he said.
He asked motorists and pedestrians to seek alternative routes in case.
Multi-agency teams had Saturday staged a full simulation test of various events to take place at the event scheduled for September 4 to 8.
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 and movement to Nairobi CBD.
Others included activities at the main venue, emergency responses, the general flow of traffic and crowd control measures.
Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Nairobi had been zoned for ease of security management, with Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, and Taifa Road and the adjacent buildings marked “Red”.
Omollo said the government had 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 event venue and provide the delegates with the required logistical support before, during and after the Summit.
The team comprises personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, the General Service Unit, General Duty Police Officers and the National Youth Service.
“Specialized units have also been deployed at strategic locations to provide technical security support during this period,” he said.
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.
He called on motorists to avoid inconvenience by using alternative routes which include the Eastern Bypass, Wangari Maathai Road, Outer Ring Road 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.
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,” he said.
