Narok-Mai Mahiu road closed due to floods – KBC

The Narok-Mai Mahiu road has been temporarily closed after a section of a bridge collapsed at Siyabei area, next to Maasai Mara Technical Institute, following heavy rains.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has advised motorists to use alternative routes as it embarks on repair works.

“Due to the ongoing heavy rains, approaches to Siyiapei Bridge, approximately 17Km from Narok towards Mai Mahiu have been severely undermined by floodwater, hence posing danger to motorists. The affected bridge is next to Maasai Mara Technical Training Institute. Accordingly, KeNHA intends to close the road for urgent restoration works as from Tonight (2000hrs)” said KeNHA in a statement.

Narok county which is reliant on tourism, with Maasai Mara bringing close to Kshh3 billion is prone to flooding.

Last year motorists were stranded in Suswa as floodwaters cut off the busy road again.

“Motorists planning to use Narok – Mai Mahiu route are therefore advised to seek alternative routes as we undertake this restoration works for the next couple of days. Our team will work expeditiously to restore traffic on this important section” KeNHA added.

Elsewhere, the government has urged people living in flood and mudslide prone areas to move to safer ground.

This follows the continued displacement of people in various parts of the country due to floods and mudslides in the wake of heavy rains pounding most parts of the country.

The weatherman has predicted more than average rainfall in the coming days. In Mandera, residents living along river Daua have been urged to move following flooding of the river which has broken its banks displacing people living as far as Mandera town which is over 3 kilometres away.

A fact-finding mission by the Eastern Security and disaster management committee on the water levels in the seven forks dams indicates looming flooding.

In Githunguri, Komothai village, residents are counting losses after the road that connects them to Kwa Maiko and Githunguri town was blocked by a landslide following an overnight downpour.

In the city’s Kamulu estate, residents of Ng’undu farm area are stuck after a makeshift bridge that serves as the link to the main road flooded.

They are now calling for the construction of a bridge to ease their problems.