KeNHA Issues Alert After Floods Block Major Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a cautionary alert to motorists following heavy flooding that has disrupted traffic flow along the Thika–Garissa (A3) Road, particularly on the section linking Bangali and Madogo.

In a public notice dated October 29, 2025, KeNHA confirmed that sections of the highway between 31km and 37km from Bangali Centre have been submerged by floodwaters at Tula, warning that the situation could worsen if rains persist.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify the public that traffic flow along the Thika - Garissa (A3) Road on the road linking Bangali and Madogo, has been affected by floods at Tula in various sections between 31Km and 37Km from Bangali Centre.

"The road sections which have been flooded may experience increased water levels if the rain continues," read the statement signed by Acting Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli.

The authority urged all motorists and road users to exercise extreme caution and patience, advising them to wait until water levels subside before attempting to drive through the affected areas.

KeNHA assured the public that its technical teams are already on-site, working to restore safe passage through the affected sections once conditions allow.

"All road users and motorists are, therefore, advised to exercise patience and caution so as to allow water levels to subside before proceeding with their journey. KeNHA staff are on site to help restore traffic passage through the affected road sections once it is safe to do so," added the statement.

The Thika–Garissa highway is a key transport corridor connecting central Kenya to the northeastern region, including Garissa and Wajir counties. The disruption has already affected transporters and travelers, with reports of long traffic snarl-ups in some flooded stretches.

Authorities have also warned that the ongoing rains could cause flash floods in low-lying areas, urging motorists to avoid attempting to cross flooded sections of the road to prevent accidents or vehicle damage.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report any road emergencies or blocked sections through KeNHA’s toll-free line 0800-211-244 or via email at complaints@kenha.co.ke

Motorists are further reminded to stay updated through local traffic advisories and to avoid night travel along the affected route until KeNHA confirms it is safe.

Driving through flooded highways poses serious dangers, with one of the biggest risks being losing control of the vehicle. Apart from hidden road hazards such as potholes and sinkholes, motorists also face the danger of getting trapped inside their cars if water levels rise unexpectedly.

Earlier in July, the same Thika–Garissa Highway had been shut down for three months to allow repair works on the Kavenge (Mbakini) Bridge near Mbakini Centre.

KeNHA’s latest advisory comes as several regions across the country continue to experience unusually heavy rainfall at the onset of the short rain season, which typically spans from October to December.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s weekly forecast covering Tuesday, October 28, to Saturday, November 1, coastal counties, as well as parts of the northwest like Turkana and the northeast, such as Garissa, will experience strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots.

Meanwhile, counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot are forecasted to receive persistent rainfall and thunderstorms both during the day and at night throughout the period.