The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the closure of a section of the Marigat-Loruk road in Baringo County following heavy flooding caused by the rising water levels of Lake Baringo. The authority confirmed that the closure affects the stretch between kilometre 29+800 and kilometre 40+000, a section deemed unsafe for motorists and pedestrians.
According to KeNHA, the move is necessary to prevent accidents and protect road users from the dangers posed by the submerged roadway. The flooded section has been rendered impassable, with authorities warning that any attempts to access it could put lives at risk.
To ensure continued travel, KeNHA has established an alternative graded diversion at kilometre 29+200. This temporary route reconnects with the Loruk-Chemalingot road at kilometre 2+400, allowing motorists to bypass the submerged area safely. Road users have been encouraged to utilize this diversion until further notice.
The authority emphasized that the safety of the public remains the top priority. Residents and travelers have been urged to strictly avoid the flooded section of the road, with warnings that using the unsafe stretch could result in serious accidents or even loss of life.
KeNHA further indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will reopen the road once water levels recede to safe levels. Regular updates are expected as assessments of the flood conditions continue.
The Marigat-Loruk road plays a crucial role in connecting communities around Lake Baringo, linking economic and social hubs within the county and beyond. The closure highlights the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining road infrastructure amid extreme weather and rising water levels in flood-prone areas.
KeNHA, established under the Kenya Roads Act of 2007, is tasked with the development, maintenance, and rehabilitation of national trunk roads classified as Classes S, A, and B. These include highways connecting major cities, international borders, ports, and key economic hubs. The authority also manages weighbridge installations and operates through regional and corridor management offices across the country.
With the Marigat-Loruk road temporarily inaccessible, KeNHA has reassured the public that all measures are being taken to safeguard lives and restore normal travel as soon as conditions allow.
