The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory after a landslide blocked a section of a major highway, affecting Kenyans traveling to the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
In a notice on May 1, KeNHA stated that the landslide occurred along the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol following heavy rainfall reported in several parts of the country, cutting off the affected section and disrupting traffic flow.
“Due to ongoing heavy rainfall across the country, a landslide has occurred along the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol, blocking the affected section,” stated KeNHA.
KeNHA Advises Alternative Route After Iten–Kabarnet Blockage
The Iten–Kabarnet Road is a transport corridor in the North Rift, frequently used by motorists connecting various parts of the Rift Valley and those traveling onward to western Kenya.
KeNHA said restoration efforts are currently ongoing, with teams deployed to the site to clear debris and restore normal traffic movement as soon as possible.
According to the authority, motorists who have not yet commenced their journeys have been advised to consider using the Iten–Eldoret–Eldama Ravine–Kabarnet route as an alternative route.
The Authority further urged drivers using the road to exercise caution and strictly follow instructions issued by police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the scene to ensure safety.
As heavy rains continue to pose risks in several regions, KeNHA said it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates when necessary.
“The Authority appreciates your cooperation as it works to ensure the safety of all road users,” stated KeNHA.
Also Read: KeNHA Issues Traffic Diversion Advisory After Landslides
Earlier Disruption of Iten–Kabarnet 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 later confirmed on April 29 that traffic flow along the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol had been restored following clearance works after an earlier disruption caused by the landslide triggered by ongoing heavy rainfall across the country.
Kenya Met Warns of Continued Heavy Rains Across the Country
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued warnings as heavy rainfall continues in several parts of the country.
Also Read: KeNHA Provides Alternative Routes After Sections of Mai Mahiu–Narok Road Flood
In its latest advisory, the department said rainfall is expected to persist across the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Rift Valley region, the Coast, and Northeastern Kenya.
Kenya Met cautioned that the ongoing rains could increase the risk of landslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas such as the Aberdare Ranges, Mount Kenya, and surrounding regions.
In a statement issued on April 28, the department also announced a flood watch for the Tana River Basin, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the next seven days.
According to the agency, streamflow forecasts indicate rising water levels at several key monitoring stations within the basin.
At Garissa, water levels are projected to average about 6.4 meters during the forecast period. In Saka, Hola, and Garsen, water levels are expected to rise to approximately 4.8 meters, 5.1 meters, and 4.2 meters, respectively.
Despite the projected figures, Kenya Met warned that the basin faces a high risk of flooding during the forecast period.
Authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures due to the heightened flood and landslide risks associated with the continued rainfall.
