Nairobi residents and motorists are being asked to prepare for significant urban disruptions on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, as the city hosts its first World AIDS Day Half Marathon. The event will temporarily close numerous key roads, transforming the city’s landscape from 6 am to 10 am.
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Public Notice-Traffic Disruption @Ma3Route @NPSOfficial_KE @KBCChannel1 @Classic105Kenya @RadioJamboKenya @Roads_KE pic.twitter.com/d21OVz0Qpp
— Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) (@KURAroads) November 27, 2024
Road Closure Details
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has issued a comprehensive notice detailing the extensive road closures. Director General Silas Kinoti addressed potential inconveniences, stating,
“We regret the inconvenience this event might cause on your normal routine.”
The marathon’s route is extensive, spanning multiple significant Nairobi streets, including:
– Nyayo National Stadium (starting point)
– Uhuru Highway
– Kenyatta Avenue
– Koinange Street
– Haile Selassie Avenue
– Museum Hill
– Muindi Mbigu Street
– Wabera Street
– Taifa Road
– Harambee Avenue
– Parliament Road
Additional affected roads include Marathon Road, Ragati Road, Hospital Road, and several others in the city’s bustling districts. The KURA notice emphasizes,
“These roads will be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of participants.”
Public Safety and Traffic Management
Motorists have been advised to follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals, use alternative routes, and plan their travel carefully to avoid congestion.
The World AIDS Day Half Marathon is not just an athletic event but a powerful platform for public health awareness. This year’s marathon has a specific focus on the health and well-being of men and boys, addressing HIV-related issues that particularly affect this demographic.
Future Aspirations: Elevating the Marathon’s Profile
Athletics Kenya (AK) sees significant potential in this event. Barnaba Korir, the Nairobi region AK chairperson, expressed ambitious plans for the marathon’s future. He said,
“We have international-level technical officials who have world-class experience in organising such races…. We can help raise the level of this road race to international standards, given enough time to prepare.”
The marathon represents more than just a sporting event. It’s a community-driven initiative to:
– Raise HIV/AIDS awareness
– Promote public health
– Encourage fitness
– Support vulnerable populations
As Nairobi prepares for this landmark event, residents are reminded that temporary inconveniences contribute to a larger, meaningful cause of public health and social awareness.
Over 1000 athletes are expected to take part in the inaugural World Aids Day 2024 Half Marathon set for Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on December 1, 2024.
— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 26, 2024
The 21km winners will win Sh 250,000 while Sh 200,000 and Sh100,000 are reserved for runners up and third place pic.twitter.com/dSlLI5Qu0s
