Traffic along the Kitale–Morpus Road has been disrupted after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed a section of the highway due to safety concerns, affecting movement between parts of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.
In a traffic advisory dated March 22, 2026, KeNHA said the Chaperia–Morpus section of the road, approximately 1 kilometre from Morpus, had been cut off, rendering the route impassable.
The closure affects traffic flow between the Chaperia and Sebit sections towards Lodwar, a key corridor linking western Kenya to parts of the Rift Valley and the North Rift.
KeNHA Issues Traffic Advisory
KeNHA confirmed that the road condition had deteriorated to a point where normal traffic could no longer pass safely.
Such cut-offs are often caused by heavy rainfall, flooding, or ground erosion, especially along roads crossing rugged terrain.
KeNHA warned motorists against using the affected section, citing serious safety risks.
The authority urged all road users to strictly follow instructions issued by police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the site to manage the situation and prevent accidents.
“Motorists are strongly advised to exercise caution and strictly adhere to instructions issued by police officers and traffic marshals on site to ensure their safety,” KeNHA said in the advisory signed by Director General Luka Kimeli.
The disruption has impacted both private and commercial transport, including trucks ferrying goods and buses serving long-distance routes between Kitale, Lodwar, and surrounding towns.
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The Kitale–Morpus Road is an important link for trade, public transport, and local movement, especially for communities in West Pokot County that rely on it for access to markets and essential services.
Alternative for Motorists
KeNHA has advised motorists travelling from Lodwar to use the Marich Pass–Nakuru route as an alternative until the affected section is restored.
While the detour is longer, the authority said it remains the safest option for motorists during the closure period.
Drivers heading towards Lodwar from the western region have also been warned to plan their journeys carefully, allow more travel time, and stay updated on road conditions to avoid delays or getting stranded.
KeNHA said engineers are already working in the affected area to restore passage, though no specific timeline was provided for the reopening of the road.
The authority urged motorists to be patient as restoration works continue, stressing that safety remains the top priority.
“KeNHA is currently working to restore passage in the affected area, and motorists are urged to exercise patience,” the advisory stated.
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The authority also appealed for cooperation from road users as repair works proceed, noting that interference with ongoing works or ignoring safety instructions could put lives at risk and slow down restoration efforts.
Ongoing traffic problems amid heavy rains
Heavy rains continue to disrupt transport across Kenya, with several major roads rendered impassable in recent days due to flooding, submerged bridges, and silt deposits.
KeNHA has issued multiple traffic advisories after sections of key highways were cut off, especially in the Rift Valley, western Kenya, and parts of Nairobi.
The Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok Road was temporarily closed after floodwater and silt blocked the highway near Suswa, while the Kaplong–Kisii Road was cut off after the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Bomet was submerged.
In Nakuru County, flooding along the Molo River disrupted traffic on the Eldama Ravine–Molo Road, forcing motorists to take long detours.
Within Nairobi, heavy downpours have flooded sections of Thika Road, Lang’ata Road, Ngong Road, and the CBD, stranding commuters for hours.
Police and road agencies have warned motorists against driving through flooded roads as rains persist.
