KeNHA Issues Update On Sinkhole Along the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the reopening of the Nakuru-bound carriageway of the Nakuru–Eldoret (A8) highway hours after it was closed due to the formation of a sinkhole.

In a statement on Thursday, September 4, KeNHA assured motorists that the road is safe from any further water or geological action.

The authority said it will continue to monitor the behavior of the pyroduct upstream of the road to ensure the safety of road users.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) seeks to notify the public that the Nakuru-bound carriageway of the Nakuru - Eldoret (A8) Road has been opened and traffic flow restored.

“The road is now safe from any further water and geological action,” KeNHA stated.

On Wednesday evening, the authority issued a traffic advisory announcing the closure of a section of the road following the formation of a sinkhole.

KeNHA asked drivers to exercise caution while approaching the area and to follow instructions from marshals and traffic police officers on site.

“This evening, the Kenya National Highways Authority closed the Nakuru-bound carriageway of the Nakuru - Eldoret (A8) Road at Eveready Roundabout following the formation of a sinkhole on the road. KeNHA is working around the clock to ensure normal traffic flow is restored.

“Motorists are advised to exercise caution as they approach the area and follow directions from traffic police and marshals to ensure the safety of all road users,” KeNHA stated.

The closure of the road caused a massive traffic jam, disrupting transport activities along the busy highway.

The incident comes days after motorists plying the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway were caught in a massive traffic snarl-up stretching between Naivasha and Kikopey.

KeNHA attributed the snarl-up to the large number of motorists who had travelled to Gilgil for the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade on Thursday, August 28.

The authority also noted that the traffic snarl-up was worsened by lane indiscipline, with some motorists overlapping and blocking free movement.

“The Authority regrets to bring to the attention of the public that from around 2030 hrs yesterday, congestion developed along the Nakuru - Nairobi Highway. This was worsened by lane indiscipline, which resulted in a traffic gridlock that is currently being experienced between Naivasha and Kikopey.

“The increase in traffic could also be attributed to a high number of motorists who travelled to attend yesterday’s NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil,” read part of the statement.