The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the indefinite closure of a key road in the Rift Valley region, citing safety concerns.
In an alert issued on the evening of Sunday, May 25, the authority announced the closure of the Nyaru–Fluorspar–Kapkayo–Tenges (B124) road, which had a worrying structural fault along the stretch.
According to KeNHA, the decision to close the road came in response to the formation of a longitudinal crack at Kaptoror Village, which is located approximately 13 kilometres from Nyaru.
The closure is a precautionary measure, particularly because of the ongoing rains, which increase the risk of more ground movement, which can lead to a collapse.
"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public that a serious longitudinal crack has developed along the Nyaru–Fluorspar–Kapkayo–Tenges (B124) Road at Kaptoror Village, Turesia Sub-location, approximately 13km from Nyaru," the authority said in a statement on Sunday.
"Motorists using this route are advised that the road has been closed as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing heavy rainfall."
While the authority did not reveal the duration of the closure, geotechnical instability during heavy rains poses a severe hazard to motorists, and the road is likely to be closed for weeks, pending the end of the rainy season and subsequent repairs where needed.
The Nyaru–Fluorspar–Kapkayo–Tenges (B124) road connects different towns across several counties, beginning at Nyaru in Elgeyo Marakwet before traversing through the Fluorspar mining area. It also passes through Kapkayo and continues to Tenges in Baringo County.
Due to its closure, KeNHA advised motorists to use the Nyaru – Kamwosor – Ketigoi – Fluorspar, which remains accessible and structurally sound, at least for now.
In the meantime, the authority is expected to explore the extent of the damage from the longitudinal crack to establish long-term strategies to curb the phenomenon.
The existence of cracks on roads in the country is not a strange occurrence. In 2024, Police from the traffic department in Matungulu, Machakos County, warned motorists to avoid the bridge at Joska on Kangundo Road.
A visible crack at the Joska bridge was reported, which was subsequently cited as a potential hazard for those plying the route. The crack is believed to have formed as a result of the Athi River frequently overflowing the bridge.
