As heavy rains cause hours-long traffic snarls across Kenya, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued road safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has closed sections of Karura Forest due to bursting rivers. Weather experts predict above-normal rainfall will continue until April.
Heavy rains have caused significant disruptions on Kenyan roads, prompting the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to issue safety guidelines urging drivers, pedestrians, and passengers to exercise caution. The authority noted that "the ongoing rainfall and foggy conditions in some areas are significantly increasing road risks due to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces."
Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, drive slowly, switch on headlights during rain, use windscreen wipers consistently, and avoid crossing flooded roads where visibility drops and braking becomes difficult. NTSA also stressed quickly removing stalled vehicles from carriageways, remaining patient in traffic, and prioritizing safety.
Specific incidents were reported in Narok County, where mourners heading to the funeral of the late area MP Johana Ngeno encountered flooded roads near Emurua Dikirr Primary School, forcing vehicles to crawl through deep water. In Nairobi, major Central Business District roads including Kenyatta Avenue, Uhuru Highway, and Moi Avenue were filled with runoff water, with some sections turning into fast-moving streams that hindered movement for small vehicles and motorcycle riders.
Flooding was also reported along sections of the Nairobi Expressway, particularly near the Greenpark Underpass, while motorists on the Thika Superhighway faced waterlogged stretches around Githurai, Kahawa Sukari, and Kenyatta Road during the morning commute. Other affected routes included Mombasa Road near the Kyumbi junction, Limuru Road around the Belgian Embassy, Lang’ata Road near Wilson Airport, and Jogoo Road.
Separately, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has closed sections of Karura Forest after rivers burst their banks due to heavy rains. "Due to the ongoing heavy rainfalls, rivers flowing through Karura forest have burst their banks. As a result, paths leading to the caves, waterfalls, and bridges have been closed off," KFS stated. The public is advised to stay away from those areas and report concerns to the foresters' office.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a warning to motorists on major highways, urging them to reduce speed, keep safe distances, avoid overtaking in heavy rain or fog, and steer clear of flooded roads. Motorcyclists and cyclists are advised to wear reflective gear for visibility, while pedestrians should avoid walking close to fast-moving traffic during heavy rainfall.
NTSA emphasized collective responsibility: "Road safety is a shared responsibility. Let us all work together to make our roads safer."
This occurs as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts persistent rainfall across much of the country this season, with moderate to heavy downpours expected in both urban and rural areas.
