The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued an urgent traffic advisory after landslides resulting from the ongoing heavy rains blocked a major Rift Valley Road.
On April 29, KeNHA issued a traffic advisory following a landslide on the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol.
The Iten-Kabarnet Road spans two counties: Elgeyo-Marakwet County (starting at Iten) and Baringo County (ending at Kabarnet). It connects these Rift Valley regions via Road C51.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify motorists and the public that, due to ongoing heavy rainfall across the country, a landslide has occurred along the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol, blocking the affected section,” KeNHA said in a statement.
KeNHA Announces Alternatives After Landslide Blocks Iten–Kabarnet Road
According to the authority, the landslide has blocked a section of the road, disrupting normal traffic flow along the route.
KeNHA stated that restoration works are ongoing to clear the affected section and restore accessibility as soon as possible.
Motorists who have not yet begun their journeys have been advised to use an alternative route via Iten–Eldoret–Eldama Ravine–Kabarnet.
“Restoration efforts are currently underway, and the Authority is working to reinstate normal traffic flow as soon as possible. Motorists who have not yet commenced their journeys are advised to consider using Iten – Eldoret – Eldama Ravine – Kabarnet as an alternative route,” KeNHA stated.
Road users have been urged to exercise caution and follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the scene.
Also Read: KeNHA Provides Alternative Routes After Sections of Mai Mahiu–Narok Road Flood
The authority indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as restoration progresses.
Kenya Met Warns On Ongoing Heavy Rains Across the Country
As the rains persist, the Kenya Met department has issued warnings and advisories confirming that rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country, particularly over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Rift Valley region, the Coast, and Northeastern Kenya.
The department also cautioned that there was a possibility of increased landslide risk in hilly areas such as the Aberdare Ranges, Mt. Kenya, and surrounding regions.
In a statement on April 28, issued a flood watch for the Tana Basin, warning of expected moderate to heavy rainfall over the next seven days.
Also Read: KeNHA to Adopt New Design Approach on Major Highways
The agency notes that streamflow forecasts indicate rising water levels at key monitoring stations across the region.
At Garissa, water levels are expected to average about 6.4 meters during the forecast period.
In Saka, Hola, and Garsen, water levels are projected to rise to approximately 4.8 meters, 5.1 meters, and 4.2 meters, respectively.
Despite the projected levels, Kenya Met indicates that the situation presents a high risk of flooding across the basin during the forecast period.
Authorities have cautioned residents in the affected areas to remain alert due to the elevated flood risk associated with the anticipated rainfall.
