The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has reopened the Nairobi-Garissa Road two days after it was closed due to floods.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, KeNHA said it had undertaken initial repairs to damaged sections of the road and made the washout areas accessible to motorists.

“KeNHA is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Nairobi-Garissa Road. Sections of this Road were temporarily closed due to flooding at Arer and Mororo areas. The Authority has undertaken initial repairs and made the washout areas accessible to motorists,” KeNHA stated.

“To ensure the safety of all road users, motorists are urged to exercise caution as they approach, particularly, the previously affected sections at Arer area on Bangali-Madogo Road and Mororo area on Madogo-Garissa Road.”

KeNHA has also urged motorists to avoid driving in fast-moving waters. This comes after a bus was marooned by raging waters at Arer near Tulla village, Tana River County. The incident occurred following a heavy downpour.

“The authority, further, appeals to motorists to avoid driving in fast-moving water. The Authority extends gratitude to road users for their patience and cooperation during the closure period and appeals to motorists to continuously adhere to road safety guidelines,” KeNHA added.

KeNHA closes Nairobi-Garissa Road

KeNHA announced the closure of the Nairobi-Garissa Road on Monday, April 8, 2024, over flooding.

In a statement, KeNHA announced that flooding at the Mororo area between Madogo and Tana River bridge had rendered the road impassable.

“KeNHA informs the public of the closure of Nairobi-Garissa Road due to flooding at the Mororo area between Madogo and Tana River Bridge. The flooding is as a result of the ongoing rains which has occasioned rising water at Tana River,” KeNHA stated.

According to the authority, due to the ongoing heavy rains, the Seven Folks Dams are rapidly filling to near full capacity, which could lead to an overspill.

“The increased water has prompted an advisory that the Seven Folks Dams are rapidly filling to near full capacity. The flooding at Mororo has compromised one lane of the road. This poses a high safety risk to the road users,” the statement added.

Heavy rains

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the heavy rains are expected to continue in most parts of the country this week.

“Rainfall is expected to persist across the country, with particularly heavy rainfall anticipated in several regions including the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya,” the department stated.