Kenya beefs up security ahead of Obama visit

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Kenyan authorities on Wednesday introduced new security measures mainly affecting road users in most parts of Nairobi during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit on Friday.

Nairobi police commander Benson Kibue also announced more than 10,000 police officers will be deployed to enhance security during Obama's three-day visit.

Kibue said traffic in the city will be disrupted as the roads will be closed at 2 p.m. local time on Friday and urged members of the public to cooperate to ensure safety and ease of movement.

"Over 10,000 police officers, with additional reinforcement to be sourced from other counties, will be deployed to provide security in Nairobi during Obama's three-day visit," Kibue told journalists after holding a security meeting in Nairobi.

The officers have been accommodated in various hotels in the city and have been patrolling the streets since last week to thwart any terror attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.

"We have officers from the traffic department, Administration Police, Kenya police as well as the National Youth Service (NYS) who are already stationed in Nairobi," said Kibue.

The police commander said the security officers will be stationed at all public areas to keep vigil on any strange occurrence and anyone who will pose a threat to security.

"There will be surveillance from all points so Nairobi will be a crime free zone," he said as some orgnizations in Nairobi including the UN offices told staff to stay away on Saturday and Sunday.

Traffic Commander Edward Mwamburi said some key roads such as Mombasa Road, Uluru Highway and Waiyaki Way will be a no go zone for motorists, cyclists and riders from Friday afternoon and urged motorists to find alternative routes.

The American security agents are the ones who will take charge of the security situation in the country. Mwamburi urged motorists to adopt and accommodate the changes as it is just for a short time.

"We hope for very less interruption. Therefore, if one has no business in town, let that person stay home for Obama has not confirmed anything on meeting the public," he added.

Obama and his host Uhuru Kenyatta will hold bilateral talks at State House, Nairobi and address a joint press conference on Saturday. The two leaders will co-host the 6th Global Entrepreneurship Summit which begins from July 24 to July 26.

The White House initiative gathers entrepreneurs and investors from around the world and is aimed at showcasing innovative projects and spurring economic opportunity. Endit

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