Africa Forward Summit to Disrupt Nairobi CBD Traffic

Motorists have been warned to expect major traffic disruptions in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and several key roads across the city during the upcoming Africa Forward Summit.

In a statement issued on the night of Friday, May 8, 2026, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the disruptions will be experienced between May 10 and May 12 due to heavy movement of visiting dignitaries attending the summit.

According to the advisory from the Office of the Government Spokesperson, heavy VVIP movement is expected along major roads including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road.

Africa Forward Summit to Affect Nairobi CBD and Other Major Roads

The government further announced that several roads within Nairobi CBD will be closed from midnight on May 11 to allow smooth movement and security operations linked to the conference.

Also Read: Motorists Warned of Traffic Disruptions in Nairobi CBD

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

“Only conference vehicles accessing the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will be allowed passage,” the statement said.

The government spokesperson urged members of the public to avoid affected areas where possible and cooperate with police officers who will be directing traffic during the summit period.

About Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward Summit 2026, scheduled for 11 and 12 May in Nairobi, will bring together African heads of state, business leaders, innovators, cultural figures, and international partners to discuss innovation, economic transformation, and renewed cooperation between Africa and France.

The summit, co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, will be held at the University of Nairobi and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

Also Read: Traffic Restored on a Highway After Landslide Disruption

Business forums and innovation discussions will be held at the University of Nairobi, while plenary sessions with heads of state and senior officials will take place at KICC.

The gathering is expected to attract more than 30 African leaders, representatives from the African Union, the European Union, and international financial institutions, as well as over 1,500 entrepreneurs and business executives.

Key discussions will focus on partnerships in artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, industrialisation, clean energy, and the blue economy. Organisers also aim to encourage private-sector investment and promote reforms to strengthen Africa’s economic systems.

Youth innovation and creativity are also expected to feature prominently, with platforms created for young entrepreneurs, creatives, and emerging leaders to showcase ideas and solutions.

The summit marks a shift in France’s engagement with Africa, moving beyond its traditional Francophone partnerships towards broader continental cooperation. It is also the first time the forum is being hosted in an Anglophone African country.

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