KeNHA closes Kaplong–Kisii Road after floodwaters submerge bridge
By Mustafa Juma, March 7, 2026The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has temporarily closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road after floodwaters submerged a section of the highway at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni.
In a traffic advisory issued on Saturday, March 7, 2026, via social media, the authority said the bridge, located between Sotik and Chebilat, had been overtopped by rising river levels, making the route unsafe for motorists.
According to KeNHA, the flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas, which caused a significant surge in water flowing through the river.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority has closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road following flooding at the Kipsonoi River Bridge at Mugeni. Rising water levels have overtopped the bridge, rendering passage unsafe for motorists,” KeNHA stated.
Motorists using the route have been urged to strictly follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals stationed at the site to prevent accidents.
Alternative routes
To ease traffic disruption, KeNHA directed road users to alternative routes while restoration works and safety assessments continue.
Drivers heading to Chebilat and Keroka have been advised to use the Kaplong–Sotik–Roret–Ikonge–Chebilat–Keroka route, which is paved.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling to Kisii have been advised to use the Kaplong–Sotik–Roret–Ikonge–Kisii route.
KeNHA assured road users that its teams are working around the clock to restore normal traffic flow and ensure motorists’ safety.
“The flooding follows heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas, which has caused a significant surge in rain water. Motorists are advised to strictly follow instructions from the police and traffic marshals to prevent any accidents,” the advisory read.
“Motorists using this route are advised to use the following alternative routes:1. Motorists headed to Chebilat and Keroka are advised to use the Kaplong – Sotik – Roret – Ikonge – Chebilat – Keroka route (paved). 2. Motorists traveling to Kisii should use the Kaplong – Sotik – Roret Ikonge – Kisii route (paved).”
The closure comes as several parts of the country continue to experience heavy rainfall that has triggered flooding, disrupted transport networks, and increased river levels.
Authorities have continued to urge motorists and residents in flood-prone areas to exercise caution as the rains persist.
Rains to continue
The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced that more rain is likely to continue over several parts of Nairobi, as the death toll hits 25.
In a post on the official X account on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Met department announced that the rains will be active until Monday, March 9, 2026.
According to the weatherman, soils remain saturated while flash flooding and runoff risks are high despite moderate falls.
“Heavy Rainfall Advisory No. 02/2026 active until 9 March 19:00 EAT) Moderate to heavy rains likely to continue over several parts of the metropolitan region. Soils remain saturated — flash flooding and runoff risks are high even with moderate falls. 24-Hour Outlook Highlights (valid 09:00 07MAR – 09:00 08MAR).”