KeNHA Announces Closure Of Mai Mahiu-Narok Road; Here Are Alternative Routes

KeNHA consequently advised motorists plying this route to use alternative routes including the main Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Apr 29, 2024 - 23:07 Updated: Apr 29, 2024 - 23:29
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KeNHA Announces Closure Of Mai Mahiu-Narok Road; Here Are Alternative Routes
Repairs being undertaken on the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road in this picture taken on April 29, 2020. /KENYA NEWS AGENCY

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of the Mai Mahiu-Narok Road which is a major road that links the two towns.

In a notice on Monday night, April 29, KeNHA announced that the closure follows sudden siltation, coupled with heavy debris deposited on a section stretching over a kilometre at the Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.

"The Authority Contractor is currently on site clearing the siltation. This exercise will extend overnight.

Traffic snarl up along Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on April 29, 2024. /KENHA

"The closure will allow smooth clearance of the siltation and avoid incidents of vehicles getting stuck, among other possible dangers," the authority announced.

KeNHA consequently advised motorists plying this route to use alternative routes including the main Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

Earlier, the authority had dismissed a notice that claimed that the road was closed owing to a severe crack that had occurred 6 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Mai Mahiu cutting across the road.

The fake report further advised motorists to use other directions to get to their destinations.

On Monday morning, two sections of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway were closed, hours after a dam broke its walls and caused a tragedy at Kianduma Bridge which led to flash floods in Kamuchiri Village in Nakuru County.

According to reports, the tragedy has so far killed 48 people and destroyed property of unknown value.

Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe had led water courses to experience an upsurge which culminated in the washing away of debris and several houses. 

KeNHA thus revealed that the sections that included approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha and approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok were rendered impassable.

Motorists were advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu and to plan their routes accordingly as well as exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas.

Flash floods affect Kamuchiri Village on April 29, 2024. /KENYA RED CROSS

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