4 Nairobi Roads Partially Closed Over Heavy Rains

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has announced the partial closure of four roads in Nairobi while issuing a traffic advisory to motorists using Mombasa and Thika Roads.

KURA explained on Wednesday, April 24 that the partial closure was a result of heavy rains experienced on Tuesday night leading to floods which have rendered the four roads impassable. 

"Following the heavy rains experienced last night across the country, the following roads within Nairobi County have been heavily affected leading to partial closure," stated KURA in part.

Among the roads closed down is Aerodrome Road, which cuts on the Upper side of the Nyayo National Stadium and Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Floods affecting Mathare slums on April 24, 2024. /RACHAEL MWIKALI

Kapenguria Road, which is off Waiyaki Way and close to Ndumbuini has also been rendered impassable with motorists advised to keep off that road.

Motorists were also cautioned against using another key road, UN Avenue which cuts through Runda and has partially closed it.

Additionally, the Kasarani- Mwiki Road has also been partially closed at the Mwiki Bridge.  

Motorists were also warned of flooding along Mombasa Road at Cabanas as well as Thika Road at Githurai/ Kahawa bridge. 

"The traffic police and our technical team are on the ground to direct traffic and enhance the safety of Motorists. We shall keep you posted as the situation unfolds," stated KURA.

This comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced traffic disruption along the bridge linking Kitengela to Mombasa Road after the ever-busy bridge was submerged by flood waters that extended to the roads.

The bridge was submerged by floods resulting from River Athi which broke its banks due to the ongoing heavy rains currently being experienced in different parts of the country.

KeNHA thus directed motorists to use alternative routes by diverting through the East African Portland Cement junction through the Athi River to Devki.

Heavy downpours rocked various parts of Nairobi city on Tuesday night leading to flooding and disruptions on major roads across the city.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kenyans in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) woke up to two trees which fell along Moi Avenue blocking access for both motorists and pedestrians.

The chaotic situation also forced Kenya Railways to suspend its commuter train services in the city, citing safety reasons.

"We wish to notify members of the public that commuter train services have been temporarily suspended due to ongoing heavy rains that have affected rail lines," the corporation said in a notice.

Fallen trees along Moi Avenue in Nairobi County on April 24, 2024. /X