State agencies issue traffic advisories as rains wreak havoc across the country

Various state agencies have issued traffic advisories to the public following ongoing heavy rains as floods continue to wreak havoc across the country.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a traffic advisory following the flooding of the Athi River, which has rendered the bridge linking Kitengela to Mombasa Road along Namanga Road impassable.

In a statement, KeNHA advised motorists of the significant traffic disruption resulting from the early morning flooding of the Athi River.

"The bridge linking Kitengela to Mombasa Road along Namanga Road is impassable due to the overflowing of the Athi River," read the statement.

Motorists have been urged to refrain from attempting to cross the bridge until the water levels recede to safe levels.

"Your safety is our priority. Please plan your journey accordingly and take necessary precautions," reads the statement.

Traffic Disruption

1/3 KeNHA advises motorists of a significant traffic disruption resulting from ongoing rains. Athi River flooded early this morning and the bridge linking Kitengela to Mombasa Road along Namanga Road is impassible. pic.twitter.com/WrwVclV4ep

— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) April 24, 2024

As an alternative route, motorists have been advised to divert through the East African Portland Cement junction via the Athi River to Devki.

The alternative route aims to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to minimise inconvenience to motorists.

The advisory comes in light of ongoing rains across the country, which have led to increased water levels in rivers and water bodies, including the Athi River.

Residents have been left stranded after River Athi busts its bank.

Traffic disruptions

Similarly, the heavy downpours have resulted in traffic disruptions along sections of the Thika Superhighway.

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution and follow alternative routes where necessary.

A section of a flooded Thika Road near Kenyatta University that caused a huge traffic snarl-up at the Ruiru bypass on April 24, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

At the Juja underpass, KeNHA warned of traffic congestion starting from Juja Mall, affecting both the highway and service lane.

Motorists are urged to utilise the service lane at Exit 14 & 15 until the water subsides, to avoid further delays.

The authority also announced that at the Githurai Car Wash service lane, Thika-bound, the section is now passable, allowing for smoother traffic flow.

"The section from Kahawa Sukari Engen towards KU main highway, Thika-bound, is now accessible," reads the statement on Wednesday.

Traffic Disruption
Following heavy downpour last night and continuing this morning, traffic disruptions have occurred in some sections of the Thika Superhighway as follows: pic.twitter.com/n8iXJYMwZt

— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) April 24, 2024

However, motorists have been reminded to stay vigilant in these areas and other flood-prone sections.

KeNHA resolved to open a guard rail with a backhoe as a temporary measure to ease flooding water and restore traffic to normalcy at the Juja underpass on the Thika Superhighway.

The agency also issued an alert on severe traffic disruption along Oltepesi - Magadi Road.

The road section is flooded, rendering it impassable. Motorists are advised to either avoid this route altogether or exercise extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.

Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) also listed several Nairobi roads that were affected by heavy rains that pounded the city on Tuesday night.

They include Aerodrome, Kapenguria, UN Avenue - Runda, and Kasarani Mwiki Road at Mwiki Bridge.

Flooding has also been reported along Mombasa Road at Cabanas and Thika Road at Githurai/Kahawa bridge.

However, the traffic police and KURA's technical team are on the ground to direct traffic and enhance the safety of motorists.

The Kenya Red Cross has said they have recorded 35 deaths and over 188 rescues since the March-May rains, with 27,716 acres submerged, 4,824 livestock lost, and 23 counties affected.

The agency also said 24,741 households have been impacted, with 11,206 displaced, affecting 24 schools and 27,716 acres of crops.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of landslides and flooding in low-lying and urban areas with poor drainage as they announced rainfall is expected to continue from April 23 to April 29, 2024.