The Narok-Maai Mahiu road has been temporarily closed after a section of a bridge collapsed at Siyabei area, next to Maasai Mara Technical Institute, following heavy rainfall.
Kenya National Highway Authority Assistant Director, Corporate Communications, Charles Njogu said advised motorists to use alternative routes.
“Accordingly, KeNHA has temporarily closed the road for urgent restoration works as from tonight,” he said in a statement.
The route connects Nairobi to Narok, the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Bomet, Kisii, Luo Nyanza and Tanzania.
However, traffic in the route has been light due to the restriction of movement in and out of Nairobi three weeks ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
All traffic departments in the region have been alerted of the collapsing bridge due to the overflowing river.
Motorists from Homa Bay, Kuria, Migori Kisii, Bomet and Narok headed for Nairobi were advised to use Kericho- Nakuru route.
According to road inspector Dancun Oduor and engineer Julie Ngei who inspected the bridge, the contractor will be on site Friday (today) to start the repair works and no vehicle will be allowed to use the route since the bridge is very dangerous.
Police have already moved to the scene and blocked the road directing motorists to alternative routes to avoid the collapsing bridge.
“Let those using the road heed directives from police. It is dangerous to ignore directives because the road is completely cut,” said Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti.
The rains have caused massive damage on the section of the road in the few last weeks as deluge from nearby hills rage downstream.
The meteorological department has warned heavy rains will continue in many parts of the country, causing flooding.
Last year, the rains caused floods near the SGR crossing leading to heavy siltation at the section on Tuesday evening.
The meteorological department has warned heavy rains will continue in many parts of the country, causing flooding.