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KeNHA warns of flood risks on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway

A screengrab showing the Malewa River near Delamere stopover on Nairobi-Nakuru Road.

By Lucy Mumbi | 05 May 2024

KeNHA cautioned that the river is nearing overflow, posing a danger to road users.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a warning of potential risk at Malewa River near Delamere stopover on Nairobi-Nakuru Road.

The Authority's Director General Kung'u Ndung'u cautioned that the river is nearing overflow, posing a danger to road users.

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"The public has been urged to take heed of the potential risk posed by the Malewa River near Delamere Stop Over along the Nairobi - Nakuru Road (A8). The river is nearing the point of overflowing, heightening the danger to road users," Ndung'u said.

Ndung'u said they will temporarily close the road should the river overflow until conditions improve for safe passage.

The Authority urged motorists to proceed with caution when approaching the area and warned drivers against overlapping, as that may exacerbate traffic congestion in the area.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates accordingly. KeNHA remains committed to ensuring seamless connectivity to facilitate safe passage and uninterrupted connectivity for the transportation of goods and services," the Authority noted.

The Authority also advised the public to proceed with caution while approaching the River Perkerra bridge, located approximately 500m from Marigat Town.

According to the Authority, recent floods have caused fallen trees to block the waterway under the bridge, resulting in significant silt accumulation on the road surface.

It however noted that the Authority contractor was on site clearing the debris.

Last Week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki called for the arrest of people found crossing flooded rivers and water bodies. Kindiki warned that individuals found culpable will be charged with attempted suicide or murder.

He lamented that there were increased reports of continued risky behaviour by motorists and pedestrians leading to loss of lives.

"To mitigate further loss of life, County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) across the country are directed to immediately deploy enforcement teams at urban and rural road spots prone to stormwater flooding and without bridges or where the water has breached the bridge to prevent motorists or pedestrians from dangerous crossovers and to arrest and prosecute offenders for attempted suicide and/or attempted murder as the facts of the case may be," Kindiki said.

The CSICs were also directed to arrest persons taking advantage of the flood situation by using unsafe canoes and boats to move people across risky waters, endangering their lives.