Kenya National Highway Authority has closed a major highway linking Mtwapa to Kilifi following the collapse of the main bridge that connected the two regions.
It added that the Mbogolo bridge, which connects the two towns, was cut off by floods, rendering the road impassable.
“KeNHA informs the public that Mbogolo Bridge on Mtwapa - Kilifi (A7) Road has been cut off. This disrupts traffic to and from Mombasa,” KeNHA cautioned.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes to travel from Mombasa to Kilifi County. One of the available routes is the Mombasa-Mazeras-Kaloleni-Mavueni-Kilifi Road.
However, the authority assured that it was working to restore normalcy on the route by constructing a new bridge as part of the Kwa Kadzengo-Kilifi Road Project.
It also deployed its staff to the site to manage traffic on the affected road section.
"Motorists are asked to exercise restraint as efforts are made to restore traffic flow," the authority responded.
On November 23, KeNHA closed the Cheredende-Bura-Hola-Malindi Road, which was heavily affected by the pounding El Nino rains.
Floods washed away the 42-kilometre road from the Madogo junction and another 6 kilometres from Cherendere town. Motorists were advised not to use the road until the drainage system was cleared to allow the water to pass.
Reflecting on the El Nino rains, President William Ruto, on Saturday, scheduled a Cabinet meeting for Monday to deliberate on the recommendations he proposed to curb damages caused by the rains.
Among them was allocating Ksh2.4 billion for food supplies, restoring damaged roads, and delivering medicines and fuel. Ruto also set up a National Disaster Operation Center to coordinate all information and ensure adequate interventions are in place.
"The security situation is also being affected by the inaccessibility of some areas. NPS will work with different stakeholders to ensure we secure the country. Treasury has been mandated to explore different mechanisms of funding for required resources, and recommendations should be presented on Monday," the head of state directed.
He also instructed KDF to provide air services and NYS and all road contractors to provide emergency interventions.
"I want to assure the Country that we are appropriately seized of the matter and better prepared for the future," Ruto guaranteed.
