A multi-agency security team on Saturday, September 2, intensified security operations around the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) ahead of the 3 day Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.
GSU officers erected barriers along City Hallway, Wabera Street, Parliament and Taifa roads, and Harambee Avenue to conduct security checks ahead of the summit that begins on Monday, September 4.
Kenya Defence Forces’ Rangers Strike Force Unit is among the security teams deployed to supplement the General Service Unit-led security team to beef up security around KICC.
The multiagency security team was deployed along a 2km perimeter entailing a Red Zone around the KICC.
Regular and traffic police officers were also tasked with coordinating uninterrupted movement of dignitaries within the capital city, to the KICC.
More than 17 heads of state and 20,000 delegates are expected to attend the summit.
A spot check by TV47 on September 2 showed security officers conducting security checks within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Roads closed
Speaking during a press briefing, Nairobi regional police commander Adamson Bungei said police had designated several roads within Nairobi CBD as red zones reserved for Africa Climate Summit delegates.
Bungei explained that the move aims to facilitate smooth movement for delegates during the conference.
“There are some areas that have been marked as red zones and the most affected areas within the red zone will be Harambee Avenue, Taifa road, to include Reinsurance Plaza,” said Bungei.
At the same time, Otumbo, Pension, Parliament, and Haile Selassie lanes which link the designated roads will also be closed.
Global leaders to attend summit
This is the first time Kenya is hosting the Summit that brings together leaders from Africa to discuss possible solutions to the impact of climate change on the continent.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among global leaders expected at the summit.
The African Summit will also bring together representatives from financial institutions, researchers, youth, and women from across the globe.
