Nairobi–Mombasa Highway Closed as KeNHA Warns of Traffic Disruption on Mai Mahiu–Narok Road

Nairobi–Mombasa Highway Closed as KeNHA Warns of Traffic Disruption on Mai Mahiu–Narok Road

Transport along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway was severely disrupted on Saturday morning after the Sultan Hamud River burst its banks following prolonged heavy rainfall, forcing authorities to temporarily halt traffic and leaving motorists stranded for hours.

The flooding occurred near Sultan Hamud town in Makueni County, where continuous overnight downpours caused the river to overflow and spill across sections of the highway. The incident turned one of the country’s most important transport corridors into a congested stretch of stalled cargo trucks, passenger buses and private vehicles.

Authorities said the sudden rise in water levels made the flooded section difficult and dangerous to navigate, forcing many drivers to slow down significantly while others stopped completely to avoid being swept away by the rushing water.

Motorists travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa reported traffic stretching for several kilometres as vehicles waited for water levels to subside before attempting to cross the affected area.

Witnesses described scenes of heavy congestion as long-distance trucks transporting cargo from the Port of Mombasa lined up along the highway. The route serves as a critical trade link between the coastal port and inland regions of Kenya as well as neighbouring countries in East Africa.

Some motorists said the traffic backlog had extended as far as Emali town, with both cargo trucks and public service vehicles caught in the gridlock.

Authorities quickly issued advisories urging drivers to seek alternative routes to avoid the flooded highway section.

Transport officials recommended that motorists travelling between the coast and the capital divert through the Makindu–Wote–Machakos route until the situation improves.

Heavy rains have continued to affect multiple parts of the country, causing widespread transport disruptions and raising concerns over road safety as the long rains season intensifies.

Meanwhile, a separate disruption was reported along the Mai Mahiu–Narok Road, where sections of the highway were blocked by heavy silt deposits washed onto the road following intense rainfall.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Kenya National Highways Authority confirmed that engineers and emergency response teams had been deployed to clear the affected sections and restore normal traffic flow.

The authority warned motorists against attempting to drive through flooded sections of the road, noting that the situation could easily lead to vehicles getting stuck or swept away.

“Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded areas and to strictly follow instructions from the police and traffic marshals to prevent being washed away or getting stuck in silt deposits,” the highways authority said.

KeNHA also urged drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching the affected stretch of the road, particularly the section between Naivasha Inland Container Depot and Suswa Ranch in Narok County.

Road engineers are currently working to remove the accumulated debris and silt deposits caused by runoff from surrounding hillsides during the heavy rains.

“Motorists who have not yet commenced their journeys are advised to consider using the Ngong–Suswa Road as an alternative route,” the authority added.

Weather experts have warned that the ongoing rains may continue to affect major highways across the country, especially in areas prone to flooding and poor drainage.

Authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and follow traffic advisories as emergency teams continue to monitor road conditions and respond to disruptions across Kenya’s transport network.

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Nairobi–Mombasa Highway Closed as KeNHA Warns of Traffic Disruption on Mai Mahiu–Narok Road