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KeNHA announces closure of Mai Mahiu-Narok road

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other top government officials when he inspected the devastation in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County, after the Old Kijabe Dam burst its banks. (Photo: DPCS)

By Mary Wambui | 30 Apr 2024

The auuthority said the sudden siltation occured at Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road following Monday evening's falling of heavy debris on a section of the road stretching over a kilometre.

In a statement, KeNHA said the sudden siltation occured at Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.

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"The Authority Contractor is currently on site clearing the siltation. This exercise will extend overnight. The closure will allow smooth clearance of the siltation and avoid incidents of vehicles getting stuck among other possible dangers," the authority added.

As a result, motorists plying the route have been asked to use alternative routes including the main Nairobi - Nakuru Highway as KeNHA works to ensure seamless connectivity.

The depositing of the debris on the road has been caused by the ongoing heavy rains that have caused landslides in parts of Maranga, flooding in multiple locations across the country and destruction of roads.

On Monday, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 71 people had died after houses and vehicles were swept away in flash floods in Mai Mahiu, Naivasha, when the Old Kijabe dam upstream in Kiambu County burst its walls.

The Mai Mahiu tragedy marks the largest single loss of life amid the torrential rains and extensive flooding that have affected the country this month.

Update: 109 people rescued and rushed to various hospitals within Naivasha.

We continue to be actively engaged in search and rescue/retrieval efforts.

Additionally, we have set up a tracing desk at Ngeya Girls Secondary School. https://t.co/Y7zl6CLT9x pic.twitter.com/frjw8jNHDm
— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) April 29, 2024

The ongoing heavy rains has led to the disruption of school calendar, economic disruptions as well as loss of lives and property.

Speaking on Citizen TV on Monday night, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura says the national tally of lives lost to floods stands at 166 and is still counting as some people are still missing from the floods that engulfed Mathare slums, the boat that capsized in Tana River and the tragedy at Mai Mahiu.

"The recent rains coming barely months after the worst drought experienced by Kenya in the last four decades have not only caused unprecedented disorder but also a disquieting economic disruption. The extent of the devastation caused by severe flooding across large parts of our motherland has led to untold suffering ranging from deaths, loss of property, lives and livelihoods," Trade CS Rebecca Miano said on Tuesday morning.

She called on Kenyans to remain vigilant as no life is worth losing in the current weather.

"As I extend my personal sympathy to all the many people whose homes and business premises have been affected I pray for the Almighty God's comfort as I plead for His unfathomable mercies at such a time as this. No life is worth losing...not one! That be as it may, climate change is real. Let's us all remain vigilant," the CS added.