NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highway Authority has closed the Kaplong-Kisii road following flooding at the Kipsonoi River bridge, citing unsafe conditions for motorists.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, KeNHA said the river had overflowed at the bridge in Mugeni, situated between Sotik and Chibalat, making the road impassable.
The flooding followed heavy rainfall across the region, with intense downpours recorded on Friday, March 6.
“KeNHA has closed the Kaplong-Kisii road following flooding at the Kipsonoi River Bridge at Mugeni, located between Sotik and Chebilat. Rising water levels have overtopped the bridge, rendering the passage unsafe for motorists,” the authority confirmed.
KeNHA advised motorists, particularly those transporting goods between Kisii, Bomet, Narok, and Nairobi counties, to use alternative routes.
Vehicles heading to Chebilat and Keroka are urged to take the Kaplong-Sotik-Chebilat-Keroka route, while those travelling to Kisii are directed to follow the Kaplong-Sotik-Roret-Ikonge-Kisii route.
The authority also called on drivers to adhere strictly to instructions from traffic police to avoid accidents, though no timeline was provided for when the Kaplong-Kisii road would reopen.
The closure comes as Kenya continues to experience heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding, property damage, and fatalities in multiple counties.
In Nairobi alone, flooding has claimed 28 lives and destroyed property, including vehicles and businesses, according to the Nairobi Police Commander George Seda.
Most victims were swept away by rapidly rising floodwaters, while some perished trapped inside vehicles caught in raging torrents across the capital.
The ongoing rains follow multiple alerts from the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of heavy rainfall over 24-hour periods in several regions.
The department cautioned that persistent downpours could trigger flash floods, especially in urban areas with inadequate drainage systems.
Residents were urged to avoid crossing flooded roads and drainage channels.
The Kaplong-Kisii road closure highlights the broader impact of the long rains, which have disrupted transport and logistics while endangering lives and livelihoods.
Authorities continue to monitor water levels and advise the public to exercise caution during travel.
