KeNHA Closes Busy Highway, Warns Motorists Over Impending Danger

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has been compelled to issue an early morning notice, informing motorists of the road closure.

KeNHA indicated that the busy Nairobi- Garissa Road has been closed indefinitely.

According to the notice, the road has been closed for public use following the heavy rainfall experienced from Monday to Tuesday, April 9.

"KeNHA informs the public of closure of Nairobi - Garissa (A3) Road due to flooding at Arer Area, between Bangaley and Madogo. The flooding is as a result of the ongoing heavy rains which occurred last night and has resulted in rising water levels along the entire stretch," KeNHA stated.

KeNHA warned motorists against defying the order indicating that even the diversion has been compromised. 

"The flooding at Arer has compromised the road and diversion that was previously in use. This poses a high safety risk to the road users. This road, therefore, shall remain closed until the flood waters subside and the damaged section is reinstated," KeNHA stated.

"The Authority staff are on site ready to deal with the washout immediately the water subsides. We urge road users to be cautious and avoid driving in the floodwater for their safety," the authority added.

The Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier issued a 7-day forecast pointing out at the possibility of heavy downpours in most parts of the country.

According to the weatherman, the heavy rainfall will continue in Central Highlands, Western region, Rift Valley, Coast, North Eastern, and South Eastern lowlands.

“Rainfall to continue across the country, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya,” the forecast read in part.

“High daytime temps exceeding 30°C expected in Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale. Night-time temps likely to remain high (above 25°C) in parts of the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya,” it added.

Following the heavy rain prediction, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued an advisory explaining the importance of driving carefully in wet and foggy weather.

The notice was to help reduce the number of road accidents in the country.