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KeNHA cautions motorists over falling rocks on Machakos-Kangundo road

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has cautioned motorists over falling rock debris on the Machakos-Kangundo road at Kaloleni.(Photo: iStock)

By Mary Wambui | Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The falling rocks are due to the recent heavy downpour experienced in the area.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is calling on motorists to exercise caution over falling rock debris on the Machakos-Kangundo road at Kaloleni.

KeNHA managing Director Engineer Kung'u Ndung'u in a statement on Tuesday said the rocks are falling due to the recent heavy downpour experienced in the area.

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"We advise motorists to be vigilant while driving along this affected section of the road even as we remain on the lookout and clear the debris."

Motorists have also been urged to adhere to and follow traffic warning signs that have been installed along the affected areas.

Despite the decline in heavy rains within the last few days, the flooding situation occasioned by the heavy rains that began in March persists in some parts of the country and is expected to continue in the low-lying, riparian and urban areas.

"The areas that have been affected in the last 24 hours include; Narok County where a landslide has been recorded as well as the Tana Delta area (affecting Tana River, Garissa and Lamu Counties), where there is flooding owing to heavy rains in the central region catchment area," Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said on Monday.

The death toll from the floods has hit 289 after 12 more died in the last 24 hours and the number of camps hosting affected households increased from 163 to 187.

"The government will continue to provide the required support to the affected communities and we urge fellow Kenyans, as well as our local and international partners, to continue to work with us, in providing search and rescue services as well as food and non-food item supplies to the affected households," Mwaura added.

At the same time, the County government of Elgeyo Marakwet has suspended sand harvesting in Kerio Valley, excavation of marram in Sergoit, block harvesting in Kamwosor and all quarry works with immediate effect to avert deaths resulting from mudslides in the area.

Additionally, the government has banned motorists from using all roads considered unsafe for use and those marked as risky as chiefs and their assistants keep watch over river and bridge crossings and sensitise residents on hazardous areas.