KeNHA Issues Warning as Rising Water From Lake Baringo Makes Road Impassable

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of a section of the Marigat–Loruk (B17) Road.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 3, KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli said the closure follows flooding caused by rising water levels from Lake Baringo. 

"The Kenya National Highways Authority regrets to inform the public of the closure of Marigat - Loruk (B17) Road between Km 29+800 and Km 40+000. This is due to flooding of the road caused by the fast-rising water levels of Lake Baringo," the statement read.

Kimeli further explained that motorists would be guided through a diversion to ensure continued accessibility.

"An available alternative route has been graded as a diversion at Km 29+200 on Marigat - Loruk (B17) Road that will intersect on Loruk - Chemalingot at Km 2+400," the statement added. 

The Authority has also issued a safety warning to road users, urging them not to risk using the submerged section.

"The Authority cautions road users against any attempts to use this section of the Road in the interest of their safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise when the water levels recede," the statement further read.

Flooding from Lake Baringo has become a recurring crisis in recent years, with rising waters ravaging communities and infrastructure.

However, several response measures have been put in place, though challenges remain. 

The European Union has allocated Ksh1.9 billion to rehabilitate degraded watersheds feeding into the lake, while local and international organizations such as PlanAdapt and the Kenya Red Cross have been supporting resilience and relief operations. 

Additionally, community-based projects have been working to restore ecosystems and diversify livelihoods to reduce vulnerability.

Elsewhere, 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 added.