City to experience minimal disruptions during Obamas visit

There will be minimal disruptions on the telecommunications and transport networks during U.S. President Obama’s visit to Kenya this weekend.

This is according to U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec who said that they expect minimal disruptions especially in the telecommunications sector.

His statement comes even as the leading telecommunication company, Safaricom warned its subscribers of possible network interruptions during Obama’s visit.

Godec, who was at State House, Nairobi during a joint presser with the Kenyan Government, alleviated fears that Obama’s visit will lockdown the city saying that this will not be the case.

However, police say that Mombasa Road will be closed to traffic on Friday starting 3PM to 10PM – the period within which President Obama is expected to jet into the country.

On Saturday, Forest and Limuru Roads will remain closed for the better part of the day while the Thika Superhighway will be closed to traffic from 9AM to 4PM on Sunday.

State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu says that operations will return to normalcy in affected areas immediately after traffic clears for President Obama.

“There will be changes in the normal route to pave way for President Obama. Let Kenyans be guided by the police and news agencies on available traffic routes,” said Esipisu.

Esipisu also put an end to speculation that Friday would be declared a public holiday, saying it will not be so. He also urged journalists to be accurate in their reporting to avoid causing panic.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed expressed optimism in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and the kind of partnerships expected between Kenya and the U.S.

President Obama is also expected to address an invite – only audience at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.

“We understand that not all Kenyans can come to the Kasarani stadium. We advise the public to follow Obama’s speech from Kasarani on TV as it will be broadcasted live,” said Ambassador Godec.