KeNHA Announces Road Closure After Flooding and Heavy Rains Hit Several Areas
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of part of the Iten-Kabarnet Road after a landslide caused by heavy rains blocked the road near Kolol.
In a traffic notice released on Tuesday evening, the authority explained that continuous rainfall in the region weakened the ground, leading to soil movement and debris covering the road. This has made the affected section unsafe for motorists and completely interrupted movement.
KeNHA stated that repair and clearing works have already started, with engineers and road maintenance teams sent to the scene. Their main goal is to remove the fallen soil and rocks, assess the damage, and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
Drivers who had not yet begun their journeys were advised to use an alternative route through Iten – Eldoret – Eldama Ravine – Kabarnet to avoid getting stuck or delayed along the blocked road.
For motorists who were already travelling in the area, the authority urged them to be extremely careful and obey all instructions being given by police officers and traffic marshals managing the situation on site.
KeNHA also assured the public that it is closely monitoring the condition of the road and surrounding areas. The authority promised to continue sharing updates as restoration work progresses and once the road becomes safe for reopening.
Road users were asked to remain patient and cooperate with officers on the ground, with KeNHA stressing that public safety remains the most important priority during the current period of heavy rainfall.
The closure comes at a time when many parts of the country are experiencing severe flooding and weather-related disruptions, with roads, bridges, and drainage systems coming under pressure due to nonstop rains.
In Nairobi, commuters experienced major challenges on Tuesday night after heavy rains flooded several roads, forcing some people to walk through deep water to reach home despite previous promises by authorities to improve drainage systems.
The flooding continued into Tuesday morning, causing serious traffic jams on a number of major roads across the city and slowing transport for hours.
At the Ruai Bypass, some motorists were stranded after flash floods covered sections of the interchange. Witnesses reported that a few vehicles were swept away after being caught in fast-moving water.
Other areas such as Utawala and the Kariokor roundabout were also badly affected, with roads becoming impassable and many passengers left stranded as water levels rose quickly.
The situation became even worse after drainage systems failed in some places. Reports also indicated that sewage mixed with floodwaters in certain sections, raising health concerns and highlighting long-standing infrastructure problems.
These developments come as the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA) continues to warn that rainfall is expected to persist in many parts of the country.
According to the weather forecast, heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue in areas such as the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and parts of northern Kenya.
Government agencies and emergency responders have urged residents to remain alert, avoid crossing flooded roads, and stay away from dangerous areas as the heavy rains may continue causing transport disruptions and more flooding in the coming days.
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