Motorists on Tuesday, February 27 evening warned of a heavy traffic along Thika Road with many stuck for over two hours.
Earlier in the evening, traffic on Kiambu Road was diverted to Thika Road after it was blocked by falling trees, following rainfall that was accompanied by heavy winds.
Motorists plying Kiambu Road were forced to use Thika Road or bypass gradually increasing traffic along the highway.
However, emergency team rushed to the location, near bypass to open up the road.
Until that is done, affected roads include the Thika Road Outbound, Kiambu Road both inbound and outbound, Outer ring towards Allsops and Northern bypass towards Mirema.
Lamenting concerning the snurl up, Rejoy Karanja an X user said that he had been exiting CBD for the past hour without any luck.
“Some little rain and now I’ve been exiting the CBD since 6:20 pm. It’s 7:20pm and I am still here, I am heading to Thika Road,” he said.
“Drive to cabanas, join eastern bypass and drive to join northern bypass past Kamakis. Or divert at pipeline, use outer ring road to join Thika Road at Allsops,” dan Kallu advised.
Also Read: Nairobi to Experience Heavy Rain After Extreme Heat
Thika Road Banners and Billboards Fall
At the same time, motorists shared images of fallen billboards and banners along Thika Road as a result of the rainfall.
Images seen by The Kenya Times showed emergency services at the Embassy bar and restaurant where a huge billboard had fallen, just by the gate.
Users on X complained about the fallen billboards wondering how a short-lived rainfall could have caused so much damage.
Some advised motorists to steer away from such scenes as they could also risk electrocution.
Also Read: Weatherman Lists Six Regions to Expect Heavy Rainfall This Week
Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rainfall
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) earlier on February 24 warned of heavy rains after weeks or extreme heat.
According to the update, the rains are to start from February 24 to March 4, 2024.
Further, the weatherman outlined six regions expected to receive rainfall including areas in Western Kenya, South Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin are expected will be affected.
Other regions listed are Central Highlands, Southeastern Lowlands, and Northwestern Kenya.
“Some areas may see isolated heavy downpours. Moderate rainfall is anticipated in Nairobi County. Remember to stay prepared and safe, everyone!” Kenya Met advised.
“High daytime temperatures (>30°C) forecasted for counties including Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui, Laikipia, Baringo, West Pokot, Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia,” read part of the forecast.
