By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Kenya National Highways Authority has yet against closed another key road – this time around within the Nairobi metropolitan area.
KeNHA in a statetement issued on Wednesday said it had temporarily closed the busy Thika Super Highway at Kahawa Sukari drift.
The decision follows flooding at the area that has spilled over to the major highway.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to inform the public of a temporary closure of the Thika Superhighway at the Kahawa Sukari drift between Kahawa Barracks and Kenmyatta University for Thika Bound traffic,” the authority said.
“This follows flooding of the drift due to an overnight hevy downpour,” it added in a statement sgned off by Eng Kung’u Ndung’u who is the agency’s Director General.
While issuing the notice, the authority cautioned road users against any attempts to use the said road for the intrest of their safety.
It noted that motorists heading to Thika should use Kiambu Road and turn off to the Northern Bypass to Ruiru and vise verse for those coming to Nairobi from Thika.
“We will continue to monitor water levels and advise when the water subsides,” KENHA said.
Earlier, the agency had closed the Athi River – Namanga Road at Kimalat.
The decision was reached after the flooding in the area that was occasioned by an overnight downpour that led to River Kimalat bursting its banks.
“Alternative routes for the roads are equally flooded,” KeNHA said.Also closed is the Kedong Ranch – Suswa Road.
The authority in a statement also issued on Wednesday, 01 May 2024, said the road will remain closed for at least 13 hours.
“The closure is due to heavy debris and siltation for over two kilometres of the road caused by persistent heavy rainfall,” the authority said.
“We have closed the section for the next 12 hours to facilitate smooth clearing operations,” it added.
Motorists that were to use the Kedong Ranch – Suswa Road have been asked to utilize alternative routes which include the Narok – Mau Narok – Nakuru Road and Kaplong – Mau Summit – Nakuru Road.
