The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has declared the Mai Mahiu route impassable and advised motorists to use alternative routes due to floods.

In a travel advisory on Monday April 29, 2024, KeNHA informed motorists on the Naivasha and Narok routes to expect heavy traffic after sections of the roads were affected by floods.

The government agency released a travel advisory shortly after Kijabe dam burst its banks leading to severe flooding in Mai mahiu, Nakuru County. 

“Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Kinale and Kijabe have led water courses to experience an upsurge which has led to the washing away of debris and several houses. 

KeNHA informs the public that the following road sections are now impassable: Approximately 700m from Mai Mahiu towards Naivasha and Approximately 1km from Mai Mahiu towards Suswa/Narok,” KeNHA noted.

KeNHA explained that the areas along Mai Mahiu to Naivasha and Mai Mahiu towards Suswa were severely affected by floods and that traffic was at a standstill around Mai Mahiu centre.

“Motorists are advised to expect high traffic congestion around Mai Mahiu. Road users are expected to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution when travelling through the affected areas,” KeNHA explained.

Meanwhile, 42 people have been confirmed dead after Kijabe dam burst its banks on Monday morning, leading to floods that washed away several homes in Kamuchiri Village, Mai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

The Kijabe dam tragedy was caused by the ongoing heavy rains in the country. 

A multi agency team comprising police officers, Nakuru County disaster management unit and Kenya Red Cross is leading the rescue operation in Mai Mahiu. 

102 flood victims who were rescued, were rushed to various hospitals in Naivasha for treatment. 

The tragedy was confirmed by Naivasha police commander Stephen Kirui, who noted that the death toll may rise since the rescue operation was still going on.