By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Heavy rains being witnessed across the country continue to wreak havoc in various sectors.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Monday announced that at least two sections of the road from Mai Mahiu to Narok and Naivasha had been rendered impassable.
In an update on its social media pages, KeNHA asked motorists to plan for alternative routes.
According to the agency, the road has blockages with heavy traffic reported.
“Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses,” KeNHA said.
“KeNHA informs the public that the following road sections are now impassable: Approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha and Approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok. These areas are heavily affected, with road blockages reported. Currently, traffic is at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre,” it added.
The authority said it was mobilizing efforts to clear the road and assess damages.
“Motorists are advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu. Road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas,” KeNHA said.
Effects on the road came after at least 40 people were confirmed dead following a landslide in Kamuchiri Village of Nakuru County.
Rescue efforts are ongoing with several others feared to be buried in the mud.
“We have 40 bodies so far collected and many more are covered by the mud. Many cars too are covered,” Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui said from the scene.
“We expect the numbers to go up as the search and rescue goes on,” added an official on the ground.
Kenya Red Cross in an update on its social media pages further said several people had been taken to a health facility in Mai Mahiu due to the flash floods affecting.
The floodwaters are reported to have originated from a nearby river that broke its banks.
The Kenya Police, County Disaster team, Kenya Red Cross and community members are still at the scene of the tragic incident.