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Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Closed as KeNHA Warns of Traffic Disruption on Mai Mahiu -Narok Road
Transport along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway came to a standstill on Saturday morning after River Sultan Hamud burst its banks following heavy rainfall, causing major traffic congestion.
According to multiple reports, the flooding began on Friday night near Sultan Hamud town after continuous downpours, which caused the river to overflow.
The situation made the highway difficult to navigate, forcing vehicles, both private and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), to slow down while others stopped completely.
The Nairobi-Mombasa highway is one of the busiest highways in the country, with the route mainly used by cargo trucks transporting goods between the Port of Mombasa and inland parts of Kenya.
Motorists and passengers reported long traffic queues stretching for several kilometres as trucks and other vehicles waited for safe passage.
Some reports indicated that traffic had built up all the way to the Emali area in Makueni County due to the flooded section near Sultan Hamud.
Following the incident, drivers were advised to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected section, with motorists urged to use the Makindu-Wote-Machakos route.
KeNHA Advisory on Mai Mahiu-Narok Highway
A similar incident was witnessed along the Mai Mahiu-Narok highway, with transport operators forced to adjust their schedules due to the ongoing rains and road challenges.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, KeNHA said it was currently working to reopen the affected section of the Mai Mahiu-Narok road, which was blocked due to heavy rains which caused silt deposits.
“Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded areas and to strictly follow instructions from the police and traffic marshals to prevent being washed away or getting stuck in silt deposits,” KeNHA said.
While making the announcement, the Authority urged motorists to exercise caution when approaching the section of the road, particularly between Naivasha ICD and Suswa Ranch.
“Motorists who have not yet commenced their journeys are advised to consider using the Ngong-Suswa Road as an alternative route,” it added-Kenyans.co.ke.