Murkomen's Order After Kenyans' Complaints On Flooded Mombasa Road

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has moved to address the design flaws along Mombasa Road and other highways in Nairobi following complaints by pedestrians, motorists and other stakeholders amidst the long rain season.

In a statement on Friday, March 24, Murkomen listed Mombasa Road, specifically Bunyala Road roundabout, Nyayo Stadium roundabout, Capital Centre and Imara Daima road section outside Imara mall as roads affected by percolation challenges triggered by the highly-anticipated long rains.

"I have, in this regard, instructed road agencies under the Ministry to resolve the flooding challenges so as to ensure the safety of motorists and smooth flow of traffic.

Traffic along a flooded Mombasa Road. /TWITTER.NTV

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), for instance, is under strict instructions to undertake immediate drainage procedures along Mombasa Road and other affected areas," stated Murkomen in part.

The CS added that his Ministry has already enlisted the services of contractors to begin repair works along Mombasa Road which was badly damaged when the Nairobi Expressway was being constructed.

"The work is expected to be completed in one and a half years. In the meantime, even as we complete the contractual protocols with the incoming contractors, KENHA has put in place measures to unclog the drainage systems thereof," he added.

Murkomen however cautioned motorists to exercise caution when approaching flooding zones to avoid injuries and accidents associated with flash flooding even as the challenges are being addressed.

He expressed confidence in the Ministry's commitment to offering long-term solutions to deal with the issue of flooding on Kenyan roads through proper designing of our roads and unclogging of existing drainage systems among others.

Murkomen's directive came after aggrieved road users alerted the CS after overnight rains on Thursday, March 23 exposed the inadequate drainage systems and pathways that have dogged the city of Nairobi for many years.

Affected motorists lamented that the main road around General Motors (GM) was flooded compelling them to use the service lane. On the other side, pedestrians were forced to walk barefoot as rainwater covered designated footpaths and crossing areas.

The location of a footbridge around General Motors was also put on the spot because it failed to serve its purpose due to flooding shortly after the rain. The area had been rehabilitated by setting up a roundabout after the completion of the Expressway.

Flooding affected traffic flow along Mombasa Road, with other drivers resolving to use the elevated highway running from Mlolongo to James Gichuru Road.

Areas around Chiromo on Waiyaki Way also experienced flooding affecting traffic flow in the entire city. Other areas affected by floods as a result of the heavy downpour included Thika Road and Jogoo Road.

Their plea came on the same day the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) noted that a large part of the country is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and urged road users to be cognizant of the risks associated with driving in the rain.

"In the past, we have witnessed an unnecessary loss of lives due to poor driver judgment. Incidents of drivers operating school buses, public service vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles in an attempt to drive through water resulted in both serious and fatal injuries.

Image of a flooded road in Nairobi. /MA3ROUTE