Floods Update: The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has announced the closure of several roads due to flooding caused by heavy rains. KENHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u issued separate traffic advisories on Wednesday evening regarding the closures.
The affected roads include the Ewaso Ngiro-Narusura (B19) Road, the Kedong Ranch-Suswa Road, and the Kamulu-Kangundo Road at the Joska Athi River Bridge.
For the Ewaso Ngiro-Narusura (B19) Road, heavy downpours on Tuesday night resulted in drifts at the Oldonyo Orasha River Crossing, making that section impassable.
“KeNHA regrets to inform the public of the closure of Ewaso Ngiro – Narusura (619) Road at Oldonyo Orasha River Crossing. This follows the overtopping of the 120m vented drift as a result of heavy rainfall overnight,” KeNHA stated.
“The Authority cautions road users against any attempts to use this affected area in the interest of their safety.”
Regarding the Kedong Ranch-Suswa Road, KeNHA disclosed that heavy debris has been deposited for over a kilometer, necessitating additional time for clearance.
“KeNHA regrets to inform the public of the closure of Kedong Ranch – Suswa Road. The closure is due to heavy debris and siltation for over a two-kilometre stretch of the road caused by persistent heavy rainfall. We have closed the section for the next 12 hours to facilitate smooth clearing operations,” read the advisory.
Road users are urged to remain patient and utilize alternative routes while the Authority works to resolve the issue. Alternative routes suggested include the Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru (618) Road, Kaplong-Kericho (66) Road, Mau Summit-Nakuru (A8) Road, and Kericho-Mau Summit (A12) Road.
The closure of the Kamulu-Kangundo Road was attributed to heavy downpours upstream, leading to flooding at the Joska Athi River bridge section, as reported by the State agency.
Motorists traveling along the Joska-Kamulu route were advised to utilize the Joska-Koma-Kaloleni-Mua Interchange-Cabanas-Ruai-Kamulu route as an alternative.
For those traveling from Kamulu to Joska, redirection to the alternative Kamulu-Ruai-Cabanas-Mua Interchange-Kaloleni-Koma-Joska road was recommended.
Meanwhile, there is relief for users of the Thika Superhighway as the Kahawa Sukari drift, located between Kahawa Barracks and Kenyatta University, has been reopened after being temporarily closed due to flooding.
“The previous temporary closure due to flooding has been lifted, and road users can now access this section safely. The Authority thanks you for your cooperation and patience,” stated KeNHA
The Authority announced the partial closure of the busy Superhighway after severe flooding was experienced in a section of the road on Wednesday morning.
