Traffic flow along the Thika–Garissa Road has been severely disrupted following heavy flooding between Bangali and Madogo, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced.
The flooding, which occurred at Tula, has affected multiple sections of the highway between the 31st and 37th kilometre from Bangali Centre, raising concerns of worsening conditions should the rains persist.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, KeNHA Acting Director-General Luka Kimeli warned that water levels in the affected areas could continue to rise with ongoing rainfall.
“The road sections that have been flooded may experience increased water levels if the rain continues,” he said.
“All road users and motorists are, therefore, advised to exercise patience and caution so as to allow water levels to subside before proceeding with their journey.”
Kimeli added that KeNHA teams were already on site monitoring the situation and would help restore normal traffic flow once it is deemed safe to do so. He further urged drivers to avoid attempting to cross flooded sections to prevent accidents and vehicle damage.
Meanwhile, both the national and county governments, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, have intensified flood preparedness efforts across Garissa County in anticipation of heavy November–December rains.
Residents living along the River Tana have been urged to move to higher ground and remain alert to official flood warnings.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, speaking in Garissa town after co-chairing a county steering group meeting on drought and flood response, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing loss of life and property.
“We have been there before, and we know what floods mean. We don’t want any casualties. Let people follow the provided guidelines and act early,” he said.
Mwabudzo was accompanied by Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane and representatives from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the Kenya Red Cross Society, and other partners.
He noted that the government had mobilised emergency resources and response teams to deal swiftly with any eventualities arising from the floods.
Deputy Governor Dagane emphasised the importance of collaboration between both levels of government and stakeholders in addressing the growing climate-related challenges facing northern Kenya.
He also warned that pastoralists and farmers should brace for potential losses of livestock, crops, and pasture, as intense rains and flooding continue to threaten livelihoods.
According to the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG), the lower parts of the country remain most vulnerable, with recent extreme weather events having claimed more than 2.5 million livestock.
Experts warn that reduced donor funding is worsening the situation by undermining climate adaptation and emergency response efforts, particularly in rural areas.
