•Kenha had closed the highway on Saturday after heavy rains witnessed in the area rendered the road impassable
•The severe weather is said to have rendered the Mugeni region, situated between Sotik and Chebilat, inaccessible and forced the highway's closure
Image: HANDOUT
The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) has opened the Kaplong - Kisii Road.
Kenha had closed the highway on Saturday after heavy rains witnessed in the area rendered the road impassable.
The severe weather is said to have rendered the Mugeni region, situated between Sotik and Chebilat, inaccessible and forced the highway's closure.
Kenha in a statement on Sunday however said the opening of the road had been arrived at after water levels at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni receded.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority has opened the Kaplong - Kisii Road. This is after the water levels at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni receded. The bridge has been assessed and ascertained that there was no damage that was caused by the flooding,” Kenha said.
“Motorists are urged to remain cautious and always follow the updates on the safety of our roads. Drive safely,” it cautioned.
The heavy downpour caused flooding of the road at Kiposonoi Rover Bridge forcing Kenha to act.
“Water levels have risen above the bridge rendering passage unsafe,” the authority warned.
As a result, Kenha staff have been on the ground monitoring the water levels the whole day.
They were also guiding motorists on the safe crossing sections.”
To ensure the safety of motorists and the public, Kenha provided detour routes.
In its latest weather forecast for next week, spanning January 14–20, 2023, the Met department has predicted that rainfall is expected over Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central Highlands, which includes Nairobi, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coast region.
However, most parts of Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya are likely to be generally dry,the Met forecast shows.
"Rains are expected to occasionally spread into the counties of Isiolo and Samburu. The northern parts of Turkana may experience light rainfalls on Monday and Tuesday," Met said.
The seven-day forecast further shows that isolated storms are likely in parts of the highlands east of Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, South Rift Valley and Southeastern Lowlands.