The Kenya National Highways Authority has cautioned drivers against using the Thika-Garissa road due to severe flooding from intensified short rains. Traffic is disrupted between Bangali and Madogo, with impassable sections reported. Engineers are monitoring the situation as rainfall continues across several counties.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a warning to motorists to avoid the Thika-Garissa (A3) road, which has been severely affected by flooding. The disruption stems from the onset of short rains, which the Kenya Meteorological Department had previously forecasted to begin in late October and run through December.
Flooding has impacted traffic flow along several sections between Bangali and Madogo, specifically between the 31km and 37km marks from Bangali Centre. Heavy rainfall since Monday has caused floods at Tulam, rendering some parts of the road impassable. KeNHA stated, “The road sections which have been flooded may experience increased water levels if the rain continues.” The authority advised all road users to exercise patience and caution, allowing water levels to subside before proceeding.
Engineers and emergency response teams have been deployed to the site to monitor conditions and restore traffic once safe. Driving on flooded highways poses risks, including vehicles losing control, encountering unseen damage like potholes or sinkholes, and motorists getting stuck if water rises.
This incident follows a three-month closure of the same highway in July 2025 for maintenance on the Kavenge (Mbakini) Bridge near Mbakini Centre. The short rains have brought above-average rainfall to various parts of Kenya. A meteorological forecast for October 28 to November 1, 2025, predicts day-long rains and thunderstorms in counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot. Strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots are expected in coastal regions, northwestern areas like Turkana, and northeastern parts like Garissa.