KeNHA Reopens Kisii Highway Closed After Flooding

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has reopened the Kaplong – Kisii Road.

In a statement on January 14, the Authority said this was after the water levels at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni receded.

“The bridge has been assessed and ascertained that there was no damage that was caused by the flooding. Motorists are urged to remain cautious and always follow the updates on the safety of our roads,” said KeNHA.

In an update on January 13, KeNHA closed the road due to floods at the Kipsonoi River bridge making it dangerous for vehicles to pass.

As such, the authority directed those headed to Kisii to use Kaplong – Sotik – Roret – Ikonge – Kisii (paved) as an alternative route.

It further noted that it will advise once the bridge is fully safe for crossing.

“This has been occasioned by flooding of the road at Kipsonoi River Bridge, Mugeni, located between Sotik and Chebilat. The water levels have risen above the bridge rendering passage unsafe,” said the Authority.

“Motorists plying this route are now advised to use alternative routes as indicated below. 1. Mororists headed to Chebilat and Keroka to go to Kaplong – Sotik – Roret – Ikonge – Chebilat – Keroka (paved),” read the statement in part.

MET Flood Updates

Closing of this major road comes at a time when heavy rainsis expected to continue as forecasted by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).

The department identified various regions expected to experience heavy rain and storms from January 12 to January 16.

In a statement the department predicted isolated storms and intense rainfall in parts of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.

“Isolated storms likely in parts of Highlands East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, South Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands,” said KMD.

Also Read: KeNHA Issues Advisory to Motorists on Heavy Traffic

The weatherman also listed areas likely to experience relative rainfall including parts of Western, Lake Victoria Basin, Central Highlands, Southeastern and South Coast which are expected to receive relative rainfall.

Further, the weatherman said Isiolo and Samburu areas will experience precipitation from Friday to Monday.

According to MET department, North-eastern and North-western Kenya are expected to receive low rainfall, or likely to remain dry.

“North-eastern and North-western Kenya will be predominantly dry, except for possible rainfall in Isiolo and Samburu from Friday to Monday,” added KMD.

Also Read: NTSA Issues New Directives to Motor Vehicle Owners

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on December 28 explained that the mitigation measures on flood affected areas undertaken by the government were successful.

“The current situation remains stable and has shown significant progress,” Mwaura nted in a statement.

The government spokesperson revealed that the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps had dropped from its peak of 170 to 95.

Nonetheless, 67,255 individuals remained displaced as of December 28, 2023.