Roads in Nairobi are expected to face significant disruptions as the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima commence their state visit to Kenya.

The royal couple, who arrived in the country on Monday night, will embark on a packed schedule aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. However, their visit has already caused logistical challenges for Nairobi residents, with key routes set to be temporarily closed or restricted to accommodate the royal motorcade and security arrangements.

The government has issued advisories urging motorists to avoid major highways and central business district routes during peak hours. Key roads affected include Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Parliament Road, which are expected to experience partial or full closures at various times.

Areas around State House, Parliament, and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) on Limuru Road are expected to be particularly affected. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes such as Ngong Road, Lang’ata Road, or Thika Road to minimise delays.

Vehicles plying through the Thika Superhighway in Nairobi on March 6, 2020.

Photo

KENHA

The Dutch King’s visit, which runs from 18 to 22 March, marks the first state visit by a Dutch monarch to Kenya in over two decades. The programme, released by the Royal House of the Netherlands, highlights a focus on sustainable development, climate change, and trade partnerships.

The royal couple’s itinerary also includes visits to several development projects supported by Dutch funding.

On Wednesday, 19 March, the King and Queen are scheduled to travel to Naivasha via Mai Mahiu to visit a Dutch horticultural business focusing on sustainable production. This journey will likely cause disruptions along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. According to authorities, trucks using the Mai Mahiu-Suswa Road will be rerouted.

In Nairobi, the King and Queen will attend a business forum at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), located on Harambee Avenue, on Thursday morning. Roads around the KICC, including City Hall Way and Taifa Road, are expected to be heavily congested during this period.

The royal couple will visit the National Museum of Kenya, located on Museum Hill Road, on Thursday afternoon. Traffic disruptions are expected along Kipande Road and Nyerere Road as the royal motorcade passes through.

They will also attend a performance by Kenyan artists at the Bomas of Kenya on Lang’ata Road, further impacting traffic in the area.

The royal couple will conclude their visit on Friday afternoon with a trip to Mombasa, where they will explore opportunities for collaboration in port development and tourism. Their departure is scheduled for Saturday, after which normal traffic flow in Nairobi is expected to resume.

In addition to the Dutch royal visit, Nairobi is also hosting King Letsie III of Lesotho this week. The simultaneous presence of multiple dignitaries is expected to compound traffic challenges within the city.

On the same day, Wednesday, the Lesotho King will be visiting factories near Clay Works, Ruiru, and a school in Ruiru town for a tree-planting event. This is likely to affect traffic along the Thika Superhighway.

Authorities have also announced that from Tuesday, March 18, to Friday, March 21, City Hall Way will be closed for the Safari Rally's start trials outside the Nairobi Governor's offices. Motorists are urged to avoid this area and seek alternative routes.

Motorists caught up in traffic in the Westlands area, Nairobi County.

Photo: Kenyans.co.ke