The National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced on Monday, April 8, the closure of the Nairobi-Garissa (A3) road.
This occurred after part of the highway at the Mororo area between Madogo and Tana River Bridge was allegedly swept away by raging floods.
According to KeNHA, the flooding results from the ongoing rains which have caused rising water levels at the Tana River.
Following the incident, the Authority issued an advisory to residents residing near the Seven Folks Dams about the dams rapidly filling to near full capacity.
“The flooding at Mororo has compromised one lane of the road. This poses a high safety risk to road users," read part of a statement by KeNHA.
KeNHA in its statement noted the highway would remain closed until the flood waters subside and until the damaged section of the road is reinstated.
"The Authority staff are on site ready to deal with the washout immediately after the waters subside. We urge road users to be cautious and avoid driving in the floodwaters," KeNHA stated.
It is not the first time that the same highway has been washed by floods. In November last year, part of the road between Madogo and Garissa was cut off by flood waters.
"The affected section is between Tana River Bridge and Madogo town. This follows a major washout at Kona Punda near Mororo,"
"The KeNHA team is on the ground closely monitoring the situation and will update on progress. As soon as the water levels subside, the KeNHA team will begin requisite restoration work."
Similarly, the Authority on April 6, announced the closure of the North Horr - Kalacha (B75) Road in Marsabit County due to floods.
KeNHA advised motorists to use alternative routes until the rains subside to ensure everybody’s safety.
“The flow of traffic will only be allowed after a proper assessment and possible reinstatement of any damaged section of the road through the ongoing Routine Maintenance and Spot Improvement Contract which was recently awarded,” the Authority stated.
