Brace for heavy traffic, impassable roads in Mai Mahiu after flash floods - KENHA

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) issued an alert on Monday, saying motorists should brace for heavy traffic along the said roads as they are impassable at the moment.

KENHA said the heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe led water courses to experience an upsurge which then led to the washing away of debris and several houses.

KENHA informs the public that the following road sections are now impassable:

1. Approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha.

2. Approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok.

The said areas are heavily affected, with road blockages reported. This has led to a traffic snarl UP around Mai Mahiu centre.

"The authority is mobilising efforts to clear the road and assess damages. Motorists are advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu. Road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when traveling through the affected areas," KENHA said further.

Videos and images from the area showed debris covering the road, with vehicles and houses swept and stuck in the mud.

So far over 20 people have been confirmed dead from the tragedy.

The heavy rains pounding the country have led to the government postponing school re-opening for a week.

Over 70 people have been killed by flooding in various parts of the country.