Floods Destroy Garissa Road As KeNHA Implements Ruto Order

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Sunday, November 26 cautioned motorists plying the Madogo-Garissa Road after it was cut off by raging floods as a result of the ongoing El Nino rains.

In a statement, the road authority revealed that the road was affected by a major washout at Kona Punda near Mororo.

"The affected section is between Tana River Bridge and Madogo town. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid this section of the Road," stated the authority in part.

Madogo - Garissa Road cut-off after washout by floods on November 26, 2023. /KENHA KENYA

KeNHA added that its team is on the ground closely monitoring the situation and would issue an update regarding the progress.

"As soon as the water levels subside, the KeNHA team will begin requisite restoration work," added the authority.

Meanwhile, KeNHA announced that it managed to complete restoration works at the Mbogolo Bridge along the Mtwapa - Kilifi (A7) Road which was washed away by floods, meaning road users are allowed to drive on it.

According to photos shared by the authority, a stone-like structure was erected above the road to stop the flood waters from overflowing the bridge and cutting off access by motorists.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority informs the public that Mtwapa - Kilifi (A7) Road is now open to traffic. This follows the completion of restoration works at the Mbogolo Bridge that was washed away by floods," KeNHA said.

The road was completely cut off after floods destroyed the approach road on the Mombasa side. Another section of the highway was submerged in water and rendered impassable at Mtondia a few kilometers from Kilifi town.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has been issuing continuous updates regarding the status of the ongoing heavy rains in various parts of the country.

Warning that the rains would likely continue, President William Ruto on Saturday, November 25 revealed that he struck an agreement with the Ministry of Roads to have all contractors deployed on an emergency intervention basis to deal with the many roads destroyed so far as a result of the raging floods.

"All the road contractors in the different parts of Kenya will now be mobilised to provide emergency intervention services to make sure that roads are opened in different parts of Kenya and we are going to mobilise the resources necessary to make sure that contractors on the ground in different parts of Kenya are mobilised for emergency intervention activities," he added.

A repaired section of the Mbogolo bridge along Mtwapa-Kilifi Road. /KENHA KENYA