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KURA issues warning as floods disrupt traffic flow in Nairobi, Mombasa

A section of the Raila Odinga Road (formerly Mbagathi Road) on April 21, 2024. (Photo: KURA)

By Lucy Mumbi | 21 Apr 2024

Roads affected include Raila Odinga Road (formerly Mbagathi Road), Langata Road near Wilson Airport, and Links Road-Nyali in Mombasa County.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has issued a warning to city residents about severe flooding on several roads following heavy rainfall on Saturday night.

Motorists using Raila Odinga Road (formerly Mbagathi Road), Langata Road near Wilson Airport, and Links Road-Nyali in Mombasa County have been advised to avoid these areas until the flooding subsides.

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The Authority has also urged motorists to exercise caution when navigating these sections.

"Our technical team is on the ground assessing the best ways to mitigate the effects of the flooding," the Authority stated on Sunday.

Additionally, the Authority noted that traffic police officers are present at the affected locations to ensure safe traffic flow and to direct motorists to alternative routes.

The heavy downpours experienced on Saturday night have made roads impassable in several parts across the country, including sweeping away properties.

On some roads, fallen trees obstructed motorists, causing traffic, while overflowing water from drains flooded the roads.

A view of the flooded Raila Odinga Road (former Mbagathi Rd) after the T-Mall Junction on Lang'ata Road on Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/awp1bMcAuS
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 21, 2024

The Kenya Meteorological Department had warned of heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24 hours.

The weatherman said the rainfall was likely to intensify from April 20 to 21, 2024, to more than 50mm in 24 hours along the coastline and Northeastern parts of the country.

“The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large ocean waves and strong southerly winds in the Southeastern sector,” the department said in its advisory.

Counties which were put on high alert included; Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Nyandarua, Laikipa, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Marsabit, Garissa and Isiolo.

Early warnings

Additionally, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki issued early warnings of areas likely to flood during the ongoing long rain season.

A section of Ring Road in Starehe constituency flooded after heavy rains on April 21, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

He said areas within the Tana River and River Thiba catchment zones are expected to face a heightened risk of floods.

Garissa and the Tana Delta were listed as regions likely to experience significant inundation if rainfall persists.

Communities in Western Kenya, particularly those along lakes and rivers in Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni, as well as low-lying areas in Migori, Kakamega, and Vihiga, are also at risk of flooding if precipitation levels exceed current norms.

Additionally, low-lying areas in Narok, Kajiado, and Mombasa, along with hilly regions prone to mudslides like Makueni, Nyeri, Murang'a, and West Pokot counties, face potential hazards, as highlighted by the Interior boss.

Kindiki added that hilly areas traditionally prone to mudslides include Makueni, Nyeri, Murang’a and West Pokot Counties.

According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, the number of people impacted by the March-May long rains continues to rise, with an estimated 103,485 people (20, 697 households) affected including 40,265 people (8,053 households) displaced; 32 deaths and 15 injured across the country as of April 18, 2024.

The heavy rains causing floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock, and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses. Damage to schools, water sources, and major roads have also been reported.