NTSA urged to issue flood alerts as heavy rains render key roads impassable
IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has also projected that rainfall in Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa could intensify in the coming weeks, with patterns resembling the 2024 rainy season.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been urged to promptly issue alerts on flooded roads to protect motorists and passengers during this heavy rain season.
Flood-prone areas such as the Mai Mahiu–Narok and Narok–Bomet roads have been put on high alert, with drivers urged to exercise caution while using these routes.
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Andrew Mwangi, Director of Narok Line Services Limited, called on the NTSA and other relevant transport authorities to proactively share timely information on impassable or dangerous routes, saying such action would save lives during the rainy season.
“It is critical that alerts on flooded roads are shared as widely as possible, both on social media and through mainstream media,” he said in an interview with KBC.
“That’s the only way to ensure the message reaches all road users in real time.”
He urged motorists to prioritise safety above all else when approaching known flood zones.
“Drivers should stay clear of flooded routes until water levels drop and it’s safe to proceed. Safety must come first, always,” Mwangi said.
Beyond weather-related risks, Mwangi also cautioned drivers against making extra trips in a bid to increase earnings during the rainy season.
“Reckless driving can easily lead to avoidable accidents. Every passenger has people who depend on them. No amount of money is worth risking their lives.”
He further appealed to traffic officers to uphold integrity in their work by rejecting bribes and ensuring only roadworthy vehicles are allowed to operate.
His remarks come in the wake of a tragic incident in Narok Central Sub County, where two people were swept away by flash floods at Sakutiek on Tuesday night while trying to cross a swollen seasonal river.
Narok Central Subcounty Police Commander John Momanyi confirmed the incident, saying the victims were retrieved by members of the public working alongside police officers and their bodies taken to Naivasha Sub County Hospital mortuary, awaiting post-mortem examinations.
“We are urging residents to avoid crossing flooded sections of the road during the rainy season,” Momanyi said.
The ongoing incidents coincide with warnings from the Meteorological Department, which has predicted sustained heavy rainfall across much of the country this week.
Most rivers in Narok County are reportedly full to capacity, posing serious risks to those attempting to cross them. Authorities have called for increased vigilance among residents in low-lying areas.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has also projected that rainfall in Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa could intensify in the coming weeks, with patterns resembling the 2024 rainy season.
According to ICPAC, many parts of the region, including northeastern and coastal Kenya, are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall ranging from 50 to 200 millimetres.
“The expected heavy rainfall over parts of northeastern Kenya and some regions in southern and northern Tanzania could trigger isolated flooding. Communities in low-lying areas should stay cautious,” the centre warned.
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