The Kenya National Highways Authority has announced the temporary closure of part of the Iten-Kabarnet Road after a landslide caused by heavy rainfall blocked the road near Kolol.
The authority released the traffic notice on Tuesday evening, explaining that continuous rains in different parts of the country had weakened the ground and caused soil and rocks to slide onto the road, making the route unsafe for motorists and other road users.
KeNHA stated that emergency repair and clearing works have already started, with engineers and response teams sent to the affected area to remove debris and restore traffic movement as quickly as possible. The agency said it is working to ensure that the road is reopened once it is safe for use.
Drivers who had not yet started their trips were encouraged to use an alternative route passing through Iten – Eldoret – Eldama Ravine – Kabarnet to avoid delays and inconvenience caused by the closure.
Those who were already travelling along the road were advised to be very careful, slow down, and follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the scene to manage movement and maintain safety.
The authority also assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue giving updates as restoration works progress.
KeNHA further appealed to motorists and residents for patience, understanding, and cooperation, saying the safety of all road users remains the most important priority during the current period of severe weather.
The road closure comes as many regions across Kenya continue to experience flooding and weather-related damage due to persistent heavy rains. Roads, bridges, drainage systems, and other public infrastructure in several counties are under growing pressure as water levels continue to rise.
In Nairobi, many commuters faced serious transport challenges on Tuesday night after heavy rainfall flooded several major roads. Large numbers of people were forced to walk through waterlogged streets after vehicles could not pass, despite earlier promises by the government to improve drainage systems in the city.
The traffic problems continued into Tuesday morning, with long traffic jams reported on several key roads across the capital. At the Ruai Bypass, drivers were temporarily stranded after flash floods covered parts of the interchange. Some vehicles were reportedly carried away by strong and fast-moving floodwaters.
Other areas such as Utawala and the Kariokor Roundabout were also badly affected. Roads in these areas became impassable, leaving passengers and motorists stranded as water levels rose quickly within a short time.
The flooding situation became worse because several drainage systems could not handle the large amount of rainwater. Reports also indicated that in some places, raw sewage mixed with floodwater, showing continued problems with drainage and sanitation infrastructure in parts of the city.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority has forecast more rainfall in the coming days. The agency warned that some regions may experience heavier showers, thunderstorms, and stronger storms, especially areas in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and parts of northern Kenya.
Different government agencies and emergency authorities have urged members of the public to remain alert, avoid crossing flooded roads, and stay away from risky areas where possible.
They warned that if the rains continue, more flooding, road closures, transport disruptions, and damage to property may occur in several parts of the country.
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