The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of the Nyaru – Fluorspar – Kapkayo – Tenges Road, also known as the B124, at Kaptoror village in Turesia sublocation. This decision comes after the road suffered significant damage due to the recent heavy rains in the region, which have triggered massive landslides and caused structural weaknesses on the roadway.
The Director General of KeNHA highlighted that large cracks have developed along the affected section of the road, raising serious concerns over the safety of motorists and other users. The cracks, coupled with heaps of soil and debris from landslides, have made parts of the road impassable, thereby necessitating the temporary closure to allow for urgent repair and maintenance work.
Motorists who typically rely on this route have been advised to use alternative roads while the rehabilitation efforts are underway. The closure aims to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the public as well as the workers engaged in restoring the road.
KeNHA, established under the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 and operational since 2008, is responsible for the management, development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of all national trunk roads in Kenya. These roads are categorized into three classes: S, A, and B, each with specific strategic importance to the country’s transportation network.
Class S roads are major highways connecting two or more cities, designed to carry large volumes of traffic at high speeds safely. Class A roads serve as strategic routes connecting international borders, immigration entry and exit points, and international terminals such as airports and seaports. Meanwhile, Class B roads, like the affected Nyaru – Fluorspar – Kapkayo – Tenges road, play a crucial role in linking national trading or economic hubs, county headquarters, and other significant centers to one another and to the national capital or Class A roads.
The B124 road is vital for residents and businesses in the region, facilitating the movement of goods and people between various economic centers. Its closure is expected to impact travel times and logistics, particularly for those dependent on this corridor for daily commuting and commercial activities.
Heavy rains in the area have caused soil instability, resulting in landslides that have deposited large quantities of earth and rocks onto the road surface. This has not only physically blocked the road but also compromised the underlying structure, leading to the formation of cracks that can potentially worsen if the road remains in use.
The authority’s swift response to close the road underscores the importance of proactive measures in managing infrastructure risks and protecting the traveling public. Repair efforts will focus on clearing debris, stabilizing the affected sections of the road, and reinforcing the surface to prevent further deterioration.
In the meantime, local authorities and KeNHA continue to monitor weather conditions and the state of the road network to provide timely updates to the public. Alternative routes are being recommended to ease traffic flow and ensure connectivity despite the disruption.
Road infrastructure plays a fundamental role in Kenya’s economic development, enabling trade, access to markets, and social interactions. Maintaining the safety and reliability of these roads is essential, especially in the face of environmental challenges such as heavy rains and landslides that frequently affect the region.
This closure serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for investment in road maintenance and disaster resilience strategies to safeguard key transport routes and support sustainable growth across the country.
For now, all users of the Nyaru – Fluorspar – Kapkayo – Tenges Road are urged to exercise caution, adhere to the directives issued by authorities, and plan their journeys using the alternative routes suggested to avoid inconveniences and potential hazards.
