Motorists and commuters are being urged to prepare for potential traffic disruptions along Thika Road on December 5, as the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) holds its 93rd graduation ceremony. The event, which is set to take place at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, is expected to attract over 40,000 attendees, including 10,000 graduands from KMTC’s various campuses across the country.
The volume of people and vehicles expected to converge on Kasarani will put immense pressure on the surrounding road infrastructure, particularly Thika Road, one of Nairobi’s busiest highways. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei addressed these concerns on Thursday, warning of significant traffic congestion in the area.
“We are expecting more than 40,000 people at the graduation ceremony, which includes over 10,000 students, their families, friends, and other attendees. This is likely to cause substantial traffic delays in the area, especially along Thika Road and surrounding routes,” said Bungei. The high turnout for the event has raised alarms about the strain it could place on both road services and security in the area.
Early Arrivals and Increased Security
The celebrations are expected to start early, with some attendees arriving as early as 3 am. This early arrival indicates the level of enthusiasm for the event, but it also signals a day of heavy traffic for those using Thika Road and the surrounding areas. Given the expected crowd and vehicles, authorities have taken preemptive measures to mitigate the effects of the anticipated congestion.
In addition to heavy traffic, security concerns have also been raised. The police have warned about the potential for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft, common in areas with large crowds. As a precaution, the police have deployed additional personnel to ensure the safety of the attendees and to manage the traffic flow more effectively.
“We are not only focusing on managing traffic but also ensuring the safety of everyone attending the event. We are expecting an influx of criminals, including muggers and pickpockets. That’s why we’ve increased the number of officers and traffic marshals in the area to help with security and smooth traffic flow,” Bungei added.
Alternative Routes Advised
With the expected heavy traffic along Thika Road, police are urging motorists to consider alternative routes. Those heading to the Kasarani area, especially along Thika Road, are advised to avoid the area if possible, or to take different routes to reach their destinations. This is due to the large number of vehicles, including those from people unfamiliar with the area, which could make it challenging for some drivers to navigate the congested routes.
The police have also stressed the importance of following instructions from traffic marshals and police officers on the ground. The increased presence of personnel is aimed at ensuring the event runs smoothly and that attendees can move in and out of the area safely and without significant delays.
“The traffic marshals will help guide motorists, especially in areas where they may face difficulties. If you can avoid the area, it would be best for you as a motorist. However, we are ready and prepared to handle the traffic situation,” Bungei said.
A Milestone Event for KMTC
The graduation ceremony, which is themed “Fit-For-Purpose Health Workforce,” marks a significant milestone for KMTC, one of the leading institutions in the country and region for producing a skilled health workforce. This year’s event will celebrate the achievements of graduates who will join the ranks of health professionals in Kenya and beyond.
As the police and traffic authorities work to ensure the event runs smoothly, it is clear that the high attendance at KMTC’s graduation will make for a challenging day on Thika Road. Drivers are urged to plan their journeys accordingly, and to remain patient as the authorities manage the large crowds expected at the event. With the extra security in place, those attending can look forward to a successful and memorable graduation celebration.
In conclusion, while the KMTC graduation is a momentous occasion for the institution and its graduates, it will also pose logistical challenges for the surrounding areas, particularly Thika Road. Motorists are urged to heed the advice of police and traffic marshals, and to seek alternative routes to avoid the expected congestion. With proper planning and cooperation, both the traffic and security concerns can be effectively managed, ensuring that the event is a success for all involved.
