The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) on Sunday, April 26, announced that a section of the 100-kilometre Njabini-Ol Kalou Road was cordoned off following heavy rains in the area.
The decision to close the section was made after River Malewa broke its banks, rendering the Thitai Bridge which lies between Kariamu and Ol Kalou Town impassable.
As of Sunday, April 26, motorists heading to and from Ol Kalou Town were being redirected to use the exit at Kariamu Town and connect to the Ol Kalou – Nyahururu Road.
"KeNHA appeals to the general public to exercise caution around this section and also plan their journeys with this in mind," the authority cautioned in a statement.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, heavy rains that have hit various parts of the country are expected to continue until June 2020.
“The peak of the rains is expected to be in the month of April for most regions except the Coastal region where the peak is expected during the month of May,” Kenya Met informed.
Some parts of the country have been hit harder than others, with floodwaters destroying homes in areas such as Homa Bay and Kisumu, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Over 20 people have been reported dead in Elgeyo-Marakwet and West Pokot counties.
Several roads have also been seriously impacted by the heavy rains, such as the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road.
KeNHA on Friday, April 24 cautioned motorists planning to use the road to use alternative routes after the road was cut off at Siyabei area following the rains.
"Due to the ongoing heavy rains, approaches to Siyiapei Bridge, approximately 17km from Narok towards Mai Mahiu have been severely undermined by floodwater, hence posing danger to motorists.
"The affected bridge is next to Maasai Mara Technical Institute," reads an excerpt from a statement by KeNHA.
The Njambini-Olkalau Road was completed in 2011 during former President Mwai Kibaki's administration.
It is credited with allowing farmers from the area easy access to markets for their produce compared to years gone by when transport from the area was a hassle due to the poor state of the road.
The winding road cuts through Kingangop, Kipipiri, Ol Kalou and Ndaragua constituencies which have agriculture as their primary economic activity.
In addition, the road was also credited with opening up the tourism sector in the area as it offers a scenic drive along the Aberdare Range.
Most of the range is under the protection of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in the Aberdare National Park whose gate lies along the road.
