The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of the Marigat-Loruk road following severe flooding caused by rising water levels in Lake Baringo.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, KeNHA explained that the flooding resulted from heavy rains experienced over the past week, which led to a rapid rise in the lake’s water levels and subsequent spill-over onto the roadway.
Motorists and pedestrians have been cautioned against using the submerged section of the road, with KeNHA urging them to consider alternative routes such as the diversion at Loruk-Chemalingot. “We will continue to monitor the situation and advise when the water levels recede. The Authority remains committed to ensuring seamless connectivity to facilitate the safe passage of goods and services for economic prosperity,” the Authority stated.
Residents in the affected area had earlier raised concerns about the deteriorating road conditions, warning that the situation threatened to completely cut off transport links in the region. “Currently, the water levels inside the lake have increased, and it is filling, closing the road. The water levels in the lake began rising in June this year,” a resident noted.
Beyond infrastructure damage, locals have expressed fears of increased encounters with dangerous wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, which are being pushed closer to human settlements by the expanding waters. “I live within this area, and going to the shop to purchase things is now a huge problem. Children cannot go to school because of the hippos and crocodiles,” another resident lamented.
The flooding comes barely a week after KeNHA announced temporary traffic disruption on the same route to facilitate the construction of a box culvert, a project expected to take six months. The latest closure has compounded transport challenges for residents and businesses that rely on the highway for the movement of goods and services.
KeNHA has assured road users that it will provide continuous updates and is exploring measures to restore safe passage once conditions improve.
