The Narok County Government has issued a statement on the situation at the Maasai Mara National Reserve after heavy rains caused floodwaters to rise, leading to rivers bursting their banks and flooding sections of the reserve. The floods swept away key bridges and left several camp staff stranded.
A helicopter was deployed to rescue staff and tourists stranded at Sunworld–Mara Bush Camp in Maasai Mara on Friday, March 6, after heavy rainfall flooded the Intiakitiak River, a tributary of the Mara River.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 11, the county government said plans are underway to repair the damaged bridges.
Narok County Gives Update on Floods, Infrastructure Repairs in Maasai Mara Reserve
The county also noted that teams have been deployed to the affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate response efforts.
“The Narok County Government wishes to inform stakeholders and the public about the current situation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve following recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the region,” ref the statement in part.
“County teams have been deployed to ensure safety, maintain access, and support continued tourism operations.”
Also Read: Helicopter Rescues Staff at Maasai Mara Camp Amid Flood Crisis
According to the update, temporary repairs are underway at Talek Bridge, while repairs at Simba Bridge are scheduled to commence shortly.
The county noted that Engineers are awaiting a reduction in water levels to conduct a full structural assessment of Mara Bridge in the Purungat area.
“All roads and airstrips within the reserve remain accessible and are under continuous maintenance by county teams,” read the statement further.
Musiara Gate, Double Cross, and other drift culverts are scheduled for immediate repair, while Sanguriai and Kichwa Bridges have been prioritized for inspection and necessary repairs.
The county also appreciated the goodwill demonstrated by stakeholders who have expressed willingness to support restoration efforts.
However, it urged them to allow time for a comprehensive assessment of the damage before determining priority repair areas, noting that infrastructure management and repairs are carried out under government mandate following technical assessments and established procedures.
At the same time, Stakeholders have been urged to verify information through official government contacts and exercise caution when sharing photos, videos, or information on public platforms to avoid unnecessary alarm among visitors and tourism partners.
“The County Government extends its sympathies to camps, lodges, and businesses affected by the flooding and remains committed to ensuring the safety of visitors, operators, and local communities while maintaining access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve,” it added.
Also Read:23 People Confirmed Dead After Friday Night Floods in Nairobi
Floods Across the Country
This comes after the Kenya Wildlife Service warned tourists and tour operators that some roads within national parks and reserves were currently impassable.
In an advisory shared on February 28, KWS urged all visitors to remain on designated roads, avoid flooded roads, and drive cautiously, as road conditions may be extremely slippery.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the ongoing floods triggered y the heavy rains across the country has rise to 49 as rescue operations continue in several affected areas.
