KeNHA closes part of Madogo–Bura–Hola road after floods at Duka Notu

People stranded after heavy floods cut off the Madogo–Bura–Hola Road at Duka Notu

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of a section of the Madogo–Bura–Hola Road after heavy floods cut off the route at Duka Notu.

In a public notice dated October 30, KeNHA said traffic flow along the busy highway remains disrupted and warned motorists to exercise caution when crossing flowing waters.

The agency cited flooding as the main cause of the road damage, which has rendered the affected section impassable.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the public that traffic flow along Madogo–Bura–Hola (B89) Road still remains closed, having been cut by floods at Duka Notu,” the notice stated.

The authority advised road users to use an alternative route through Nanighi and rejoin the B89 at Cheredende as efforts continue to restore normal traffic flow.

KeNHA teams are already on the ground assessing the extent of the damage and undertaking necessary works to reopen the section as soon as possible.

The Madogo–Bura–Hola road is a key link between Tana River County’s administrative and agricultural zones, serving as an important corridor for the movement of goods and passengers between Madogo, Bura, Hola, and surrounding areas.

Its closure is expected to temporarily disrupt transport and supply chains within the region.

Motorists plying the affected route have been urged to follow traffic advisories and avoid attempting to cross flooded sections, which pose significant safety risks.

KeNHA further reminded the public that restoration works are underway and appealed for patience as engineers work to reinstate safe passage.

The agency also reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe and reliable road networks despite challenges posed by heavy rains and flooding in various parts of the country.

The notice, signed by Acting Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, emphasised that safety remains the authority’s top priority and urged all road users to “exercise caution while crossing flowing waters.”

Heavy rains have been pounding various parts of the country for the better part of the past two weeks.

In an advisory issued on October 28, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that some parts of the country, including the Nairobi Metropolis, would experience heavy rainfall of more than 20mm to very heavy rainfall exceeding 50mm.

The weatherman added that isolated storms could occur, especially during the afternoon, evening, and early morning hours.

The agency also cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall across several areas could cause localised flooding and traffic disruptions.