KeNHA Issues Safety Alert as Floods Cut Off Key Kitale-Morpus Road

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a strong warning to motorists against using the Kitale-Morpus Road after severe flooding destroyed part of the highway, disrupting transport and business activities in the region. The advisory follows heavy rains that have affected several parts of Kenya, causing rivers to overflow and damaging critical infrastructure.

According to KeNHA, the most affected section is the Chapareria–Morpus stretch, located about one kilometre from Morpus. This part of the road has been completely cut off, making it impassable and unsafe for vehicles. As a result, traffic movement between areas such as Kitale and Lodwar has been significantly disrupted.

The authority emphasized that attempting to use the damaged road poses serious risks, including vehicles being swept away by floodwaters or getting stuck in the damaged sections. Motorists have therefore been urged to strictly follow instructions from traffic police and road marshals deployed in the area to ensure safety.

This road is a very important transport corridor, especially for businesses and traders operating in the North Rift region. It connects key towns like Kitale and Lodwar, and supports the movement of goods such as agricultural produce, fuel, and essential supplies. The disruption has therefore affected not only travelers but also commercial transport, logistics companies, and local businesses that rely on this route.

To reduce inconvenience, KeNHA has advised motorists to use alternative routes, particularly the Marich Pass-Nakuru road, although this route is longer and may increase travel time and transport costs. This detour is currently considered the safest option as engineers work to restore the damaged section of the road.

The incident comes at a time when Kenya is experiencing widespread flooding due to ongoing heavy rains. Across the country, several roads have been affected, leading to delays, increased transport costs, and interruptions in supply chains. These challenges have a direct impact on the business environment, especially for sectors that depend heavily on road transport such as agriculture, trade, and distribution.

KeNHA has confirmed that repair works are already underway, although no specific timeline has been given for the reopening of the road. The authority has urged the public to remain patient and cooperate with ongoing efforts to restore normal traffic flow.

Read Also: Kingdom Bank Service Network Expands With A New Branch In Kitale

By Deborah Sivyatsomana Kavira