List Of Kenya's Major Roads Cut Off By Floods Paralysing Transport, Business

• Kenya experienced heavy rains and flooding that led to the destruction of properties and the loss of lives
• Transport was one of the worst-hit sectors of the country's economy, as major roads, railways and airports were submerged
• Nairobi Expressway and Thika Superhighway are some of the roads that were badly affected by the floods

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Heavy rains continue to pound Kenya, leading to the destruction of properties and cutting off transport networks.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was forced to halt transport operations on major highways and roads following heavy rains and flooding across the country.

How Kenya floods have affected transport

Public service vehicle (PSV) operators continued to report a reduction in the number of commuters as Kenyans stayed away from flood-prone areas.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Super Metro matatu driver Joseph Gatiba, based in Nairobi, explained that the floods have plunged the transport sector into a crisis and businesses are not making as much as they do on a normal day.

"Right now there is limited movement. There is that fear of being submerged and swept away by floods. There are some roads within Nairobi where, in the morning, you cannot commute because of floods," said Gatiba.

Gatiba noted that daily matatu operations in the city have been adversely affected, citing those plying Thika Road.

"Thika road is challenging for most matatu operators since they can't make as many trips like on the normal days. The daily earnings have also gone down," he noted.

The PSV operator noted that the situation is not only in Nairobi, but across the country.

Below is the list of major roads and highways that have been hit by floods.

List of roads/highways hit by floods in Kenya

1. Nairobi Expressway

Nairobi Expressway is one of the most affected highways in the country since heavy rains hit Kenya in March 2024.

The toll road experienced flooding, causing heavy traffic snarl up as Moja Expressway, the company managing the highway, cautioned motorists over heavy downpours affecting its operations.

Images shared online showed that sections of the Expressway were submerged by the floods.

Other roads adjacent to the Nairobi Expressway, including Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, and Waiyaki Way also experienced floods, affecting commuter services.

2. Narok-Mai Mahiu Road

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, thousands of passengers were stranded along the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road due to floods caused by relentless heavy rains.

The situation was exacerbated when floodwaters carried away debris from Mt Longonot to the highway in the Naivasha region.

KeNHA advised motorists plying the route to exercise caution while approaching the area following the incident.

3. Thika Superhighway

The Authority announced the closure of sections of the Thika Superhighway after heavy rains resulted in flooding and submerged the road.

On May 1, 2024, KeNHA closed Thika Superhighway at Kahawa Sukari drift, causing disruptions that left matatus and passengers stranded.

Motorists heading to Thika were directed to use Kiambu Road, which resulted in heavy traffic.

The road has, however, been reopened for motorist and commuter services.

4. Kenol Sagana Road

A section of Kenol-Sagana road's Nairobi-bound lanes were also closed due to heavy rains.

KeNHA reported that heavy downpours led to a landslide, which covered the road with debris from the slope of the road section.

The road is mainly used by motorists and passengers travelling to and from Meru, Nyeri, and Nairobi.

5. Kamulu - Kangundo Road

KeNHA closed a section of Kamulu-Kangundo Road at Joska after it was submerged by the ongoing floods.

The Authority later announced the road's reopening, assuring that Joska Athiriver Bridge, which was adversely affected, is stable.

Motorists were advised to approach the road section with caution.

6. Nairobi-Nakuru Road

Nairobi-Nakuru Road was affected by floods in various sections, leading to traffic disruption.

KeNHA alerted motorists plying the route to be careful, especially when approaching the Delamere stopover in Naivasha.

The Authority warned that the Malewa River is approaching the point of overflowing, which could submerge the road.

7. Ahero-Kisumu Road

River Nyando in Kisumu County broke its banks following heavy rains on Saturday, May 4.

This caused a lot of flooding in the area, including at Ahero Police Station and several homes and roads.

KeNHA reported that the River Nyando Bridge was submerged, urging motorists to be careful while approaching it.

Other roads affected by floods

The flooding in the country continued to affect different roads, including Embu-Meru Road, Mugeka - Murang’a (B112) Road, Athi River - Machakos, and Garissa-Madogo Road.

Oletepesi - Magadi Road, Athi River - Namanga Road, Kedong Ranch - Suswa Road, Ewaso Ngiro - Narusura (B19) Road, Nakuru-Eldama Ravine-Eldoret and Mau Summit - Kisumu, among others in flood-prone areas were also affected.

What to know about flooding in Kenya

• Kenya Airways announced potential extended delays and diversions for flights departing from Nairobi due to heavy rains and flooding.
• In April 2024, transportation was ground to a halt at Mai Mahiu along the busy Nairobi-Naivasha Highway due to heavy floods.
• Kenya Railways announced the temporary suspension of commuter train services due to heavy rains and floods affecting railway lines nationwide.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke