Coast

CS Murkomen assesses damage caused by floods on Lamu-Witu-Garsen road

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen visits the Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Road, that was damaged by flooding, on May 15, 2024. (Photos: Kipchumba Murkomen/X)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Wednesday, May 15, 2024

"The volume of the water and the depth of the flow are still high, making it impossible for vehicles to pass," said CS Murkomen.

The Ministry of Road and Transport has assessed the damage caused by the recent heavy floods to the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road.

Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the Gamba section of the road on Wednesday, noting the high volume of water and depth of the flow, which made the road impassable for vehicles.

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"The volume of the water and the depth of the flow are still high, making it impossible for vehicles to pass," said Murkomen.

The spillover from the Seven Forks Dam upstream has worsened the situation, not only affecting the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road but also the Nairobi-Garissa A3 highway at Kona Punda in Madogo, which was completely shut down due to the flooding.

Murkomen stated that alternative routes are being explored to address transportation issues while preparations are underway to restore critical infrastructure across the country.

"We are exploring alternative routes to address this problem even as we prepare to begin the restoration of critical infrastructure across the country," explained Murkomen.

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 assessed the state of the Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road that was swept away by floods. (Photos: Kipchumba Murkomen/X)

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen and other officials examine the state of the Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Road, that was swept away by floods in April-May, on May 15, 2024. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

The Kenya Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced on Saturday, the closure of the Garsen-Witu-Lamu road between Gamba and Lango la Simba.

According to KeNHA Director General Kungu Ndungu, the ongoing heavy downpours upstream have caused the Tana River to break its banks, leading to the overtopping of the road and disrupting transportation activities in the area.

"The ongoing heavy downpours experienced upstream have resulted in the Tana River breaking its banks and subsequent overtopping of the road, thus hampering transportation activities," Ndungu said in a notice on Saturday.

This is not the first time the agency has closed the road due to floods. In December 2023, heavy rainfall led to similar flooding after the Tana River burst its banks.

Officials of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, visit the Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Road, that was swept away by floods in April-May, on May 15, 2024. (Photos: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

However, the agency is set to open the Nairobi-Garissa A3 highway following a significant reduction in water levels in the Kona Punda area.

Murkomen, meanwhile, noted that the floods have forced travellers to use canoes to complete their journeys between Mombasa and Lamu.

The disruption has not only affected the movement of people but also the transportation of cargo from the Port of Lamu to neighbouring countries.

The Cs said efforts are being made to address the immediate transportation challenges while plans for long-term restoration of the infrastructure are considered. According to him, the ministry is monitoring the situation closely to ensure timely interventions and the safety of travellers and cargo.

"We appreciate the private sector for providing the boats and for adhering to safety standards even as we look for a solution. An assessment of the damage caused by floods is almost complete, so we can talk to Parliament to set aside the necessary resources," the CS stated.

The Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road was swept away by floods in April-May 2024 (Photos: Kipchumba Murkomen/X)

The Gamba section of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen Road, which was swept away by floods in April-May, as pictured on May 15, 2024. (Photos: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)