By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 9 May 2026 - Residents of the Nairobi Metropolitan area are set to experience a major traffic disruption next during the Africa Forward Summit 2026, scheduled for 11 to 12 May 2026 at KICC.
In a statement, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said that on major routes, including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road, motorists will experience intermittent traffic interruptions.
Other roads in Nairobi CBD, including City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Taifa Road, will be closed to the general public effective 11 May at midnight and will be accessible only to vehicles authorised to access the conference at the KICC.
“The Government wishes to inform members of the public that temporary traffic disruptions are expected within parts of Nairobi between 10 and 12 May 2026, due to the movement of visiting dignitaries and summit activities,” Mwaura said.
The summit aims to create a more balanced and equitable relationship between African countries and France, focusing on "strategic autonomy" and measurable outcomes rather than traditional aid.
The gathering, co-hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmanuel Macron of France, is expected to bring together African and French leaders, private-sector actors, development partners, youth innovators, and civil society representatives.
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The summit, themed "Partnerships for Innovation and Growth," is set to reinforce the relationship between Africa and France, especially on high- growth sectors.
Key areas that are expected to be focused on during the summit include global finance, Climate action, peace and security, and Artificial Intelligence and digital transformations.
Other sectors include Agriculture and food security, blue economy, development, and health. Furthermore, it will also include a sports session that is set to discuss the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“The programme will feature high-level plenary sessions, ministerial engagements, business forums, youth and innovation platforms, cultural showcases and civil society discussions aimed at strengthening Africa-France cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation,” Mwaura said.