The Ministry of Roads has issued a safety advisory urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, especially during the ongoing rainy season, when wet roads compromise road safety.
In a public notice on Tuesday, August 19, the State Department for Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mungai highlighted several dangers that drivers might come across during a time when roads are slippery.
During the rainy season, according to the PS, drivers are likely to encounter reduced tyre traction, which increases the risk of skidding and hydroplaning, where tyres lose contact with the road due to water buildup, especially at high speeds.
If such an incident occurs, the driver is advised to ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden braking, and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go.
Furthermore, drivers have been warned that the first rains might also cause accumulated road oil and grime, which creates slippery conditions. During this scenario, a driver should first reduce the speed of the vehicle, avoid sudden braking and steering, and switch on their hazard lights to warn other motorists.
Drivers have been further warned that the slippery conditions might also lead to their brakes taking longer, which in turn raises the chances of accidents. If braking takes longer distances, drivers are always advised to reduce speed, increase following distance, and adjust their driving.
The Department has cautioned drivers about potholes and oil slicks that may be hidden under rainwater and are notorious for damaging vehicles and causing accidents. To avoid such potholes, drivers are always encouraged to slow down and ensure that they scan the roads ahead for visual cues.
During this time, drivers might also experience poor visibility caused by the rain, which also causes glare from headlights. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed, turn on headlights, and also ensure that they clean the windscreen and headlights to minimise glare.
In its latest forecast, the Kenya Meteorological Department said that several regions across the country will experience continued rain, strong winds, and chilly conditions this week.
The regions, according to the weatherman, include Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and North-western Kenya.
According to the department, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, Kisumu, and Uasin Gishu are among the counties that will experience continued rain and chilly conditions from Tuesday, August 19, to Saturday, August 23.
In a statement on Monday, Nairobi Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria directed residents to move away from riparian land amid concerns over potential heavy rainfall, which might lead to floods in the country's capital.
Mosiria further assured that the county government had dispatched emergency response teams across the city to clear the blocked drainage system, which contributes heavily to city floods.
“Our drainage system was not built to handle the kind of volume we’re now seeing. As a result, even moderate rains are causing serious water buildup and flooding in some areas,” Mosiria said.
