A sinkhole that disrupted traffic along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway in the Eveready area within Nakuru West Constituency has reappeared just 48 hours after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) repaired the section.
Images circulating on social media show the sinkhole resurfacing at the same spot along the Nakuru-Eldoret Road, with residents faulting KeNHA for doing a “shoddy job”. Fresh cracks have also emerged, raising fears of a possible wider collapse. Police have since closed the affected section of the road, causing major traffic snarl-ups.
Locals have criticized KeNHA’s short-term interventions and are urging geologists to investigate the root cause of the recurring sinkholes.
Residents Fault KeNHA for Doing a Shoddy Job on Sinkhole Situation
One resident said the situation has forced motorists to use a single route, worsening traffic congestion.
“There’s a crack right across the road, as you can see. Now, all vehicles from the Ngata area cannot use this road,” the resident told Citizen TV.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Update After Sinkhole Halts Traffic on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
Another resident stressed the need for geologists to assess the situation.
“Engineers should establish how far this tunnel extends. If it has reached the houses on the other side, people should be advised to relocate because we don’t know what damage it could cause,” he said.
Others faulted the Nakuru County Government, led by Governor Susan Kihika, accusing it of downplaying the severity of the situation.
“We are now confused. The county government assures us that everything is fine, yet human life should be the most important concern,” a resident said.
Authority Confirms Sinkhole was Caused by Geological Activities
The reappearance of the sinkhole comes barely two days after KeNHA completed the restoration of a section cut out by the sinkhole. The initial incident, which occurred late on Wednesday, September 4, brought traffic to a standstill along the busy Nairobi-Eldoret Highway, leaving motorists stranded for hours and causing ripple-effect delays that stretched into Thursday morning.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Alternative Routes After Overnight Gridlock on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway
KeNHA confirmed the sinkhole was caused by water seepage and geological activity, prompting authorities to take urgent safety measures.
“Motorists are advised to exercise caution as they approach the area and follow directions from traffic police and marshals to ensure the safety of all road users,” the Authority cautioned.
Motorists caught in the traffic said they were stuck for several hours as officials worked to assess and contain the situation. The disruption affected both passenger and cargo transport, with long queues of vehicles stretching for kilometers on either side of the road.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates