Three more roads closed, Thika Superhighway opened as flooding continues

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) has announced closures of the Ewaso Ngiro-Narusura (B19) Road, the Kedong Ranch-Suswa Road, as well as the Kamulu-Kangundo Road at the Joska Athi River Bridge.

KeNHA Director General Kung'u Ndung'u, in separate traffic advisories issued on Wednesday evening, said the three roads had been affected by flooding occasioned by the heavy rains presently ongoing across the country.

As for the Ewaso Ngiro - Narusura (619) Road, the Authority said heavy downpours on Tuesday night had brought about drifts at Oldonyo Orasha River Crossing rendering the section impassible.

“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 revealed that heavy debris had been deposited for more than a kilometre which would require more time to be cleared.

“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 have thus been urged to remain patient and use alternative routes including the Narok - Mau Narok - Nakuru (618) Road, Kaplong-Kericho (66) Road, Mau Summit-Nakuru (A8) Road and Kericho-Mau Summit (Al2) Road as the Authority seeks to resolve the issue.

On the Kamulu-Kangundo Road closure, the State agency sought to inform that heavy downpours experienced upstream led ti flooding at the Joska Athi River bridge section.

Motorists plying the Joska-Kamulu route were hence advised to, in the mean time, use the Joska-Koma-Kaloleni-Mua Interchange-Cabanas-Ruai-Kamulu.

Those using the Kamulu-Joska route were redirected to the alternative Kamulu-Ruai-Cabanas-Mua Interchange-Kaloleni-Koma-Joska road.

At the same time, it is a relief for Thika Superhighway users after the Kahawa Sukari drift between Kahawa Barracks and Kenyatta University was opened hours after closure 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 the section experienced severe flooding on Wednesday morning.