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KeNHA to reopen the Garissa-Nairobi highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed the Garissa-Nairobi highway in April 2024 after the Tana River burst its banks and flooded the area. (Photo: KeNHA)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Charles Kyalo, a bus driver on this route, confirmed that the road would be ready for use within a few days.

The Garissa-Nairobi highway is set to reopen this week following a significant reduction in water levels in the Kona Punda area.

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Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed the road late last month after the Tana River burst its banks and flooded the area.

The closure affected over 15 bus and courier companies operating between Nairobi and the northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera. These companies, most of them operating from Eastleigh in Kamukunji, Nairobi, ceased operations due to the flooding.

Recent observations show that the water, which once reached the top half of a landmark truck, has now receded below its tyres. This indicates a significant decrease in water levels, allowing for safer passage.

KeNHA officials are on site, working to reclaim the remaining waterlogged sections. The officials are using trucks to place blocks and sandbags to facilitate drainage. Chinese contractors are also on the ground, prepared to reconstruct the damaged sections of the road once the land is fully reclaimed.

Charles Kyalo, a bus driver on this route, confirmed that the road would be ready for use within a few days.

"The water has reduced and the work is going on. Within a few days, we shall be using it again," an optimistic Kyalo said

Another driver identified as Hassan OG, in a video shared from Kona Punda, echoed Kyalo's sentiment.

Residents using the Garissa-Naiorbi highway as KeNHa officials reclaim the remaining waterlogged sections of the road in May 2024. (Photo: Handout)

Residents using the Garissa-Naiorbi highway as KeNHa officials reclaim the remaining waterlogged section of the road in May 2024. (Photo: Handout)

"The road is being repaired. It will be ready even as soon as this weekend," he said.

The A3 road is the main highway connecting Nairobi to Garissa and the larger northern counties. Its closure almost cut off supplies of essential products like food to Garissa County.

Last week, business people in Garissa town told The Eastleigh Voice that they could not restock their empty shelves as the Garissa-Nairobi highway remained closed at Kona Punda.

Abdiwahab Abdullahi, the director of Hallmark Supermarket in Garissa town, said the shelves were being emptied with members of the public rushing to stock up.

"People learned a lesson during the El Nino rains when roads were rendered impassible and there was a serious food and fuel crisis," he said.

Food prices also surged as the prices of fresh vegetables and eggs doubled, attributed to the increased costs of boat transport, according to some traders who managed to supply these commodities

The boats were also used to transport residents between Madogo and Garissa, with fares rising to Sh200 per person.