KeNHA issues traffic advisory after landslide blocks Iten–Kabarnet Road
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, April 29, 2026The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has released a comprehensive traffic update for motorists and stakeholders after a landslide caused a major disruption to road travel on the Iten-Kabarnet Road following prolonged heavy rains in various regions of the country.
In a statement on their X on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, the authority reported that the landslide happened at Kolol, where saturated soil conditions resulting from heavy rains have resulted in a massive fall of soil and debris onto the road. The landslide has completely obstructed the road, making it impassable and disrupting traffic along this vital transportation route in the North Rift.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify motorists and the public that, due to ongoing heavy rainfall across the country, a landslide has occurred along the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol, blocking the affected section,” KeNHA stated.
KeNHA has stated that response teams, comprising road engineers and mechanics, have been mobilised at the scene. Work is underway to restore traffic, and machinery is involved in clearing the obstruction in an attempt to reopen the route to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. But the authority said the severity of the incident may warrant continuous intervention, depending on the weather.
KeNHA advises on an alternative route
In an advisory, KeNHA advised motorists who have yet to commence their trip to take a diversion from the affected road. The diversion is Iten – Eldoret – Eldama Ravine – Kabarnet, which has not been affected by the road blockage.
“Restoration efforts are currently underway, and the authority is working to reinstate normal traffic flow as soon as possible. Motorists who have not yet commenced their journeys are advised to consider using Iten – Eldoret – Eldama Ravine – Kabarnet as an alternative route,” KeNHA added.
The closed route is one of the major roads that connects several towns such as Iten, Kabarnet, Eldoret and Eldama Ravine and is a major thoroughfare that facilitates the movement of people, goods and business in the region.
KeNHA also assured the public that regular updates will be given on the progress made in restoring the road. The Authority expressed its resolve to prioritise safety on all national roads, particularly during the current rainy season, which has led to more risks of landslides and road disruptions in some regions.
Drivers have been advised to drive with caution, follow directions from traffic marshals and make alternative arrangements for their trips to avoid potential hazards.
The landslide comes days after KeNHA issued a traffic advisory following renewed flooding and silt deposition on the Mai Mahiu–Suswa–Narok (B7) Road, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
In the advisory dated April 16, 2026, KeNHA notified road users that sections of the highway at Kedong Ranch near Suswa experienced significant flooding and heavy silt buildup, disrupting traffic flow along the key route linking Nairobi to Narok and the Maasai Mara region.