Floods, Silt Paralyze Traffic on Mai Mahiu-Suswa Road

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued an emergency travel advisory on Thursday night, following reports of severe flooding and siltation on the Mai Mahiu-Suswa-Narok (B7) Road. The disruption, centered at the Kedong Ranch area near Suswa, has forced a partial suspension of movement on a route that serves as a primary artery for transit between Nairobi and Western Kenya.

Engineering teams from the Authority moved to the site this evening to assess the damage and begin the process of clearing debris. According to a statement signed by Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, the road became impassable after torrential rains caused runoff to deposit thick layers of silt across the carriageway, making it hazardous for light vehicles and heavy-duty trucks alike.

KeNHA officials warned that the situation remains fluid as the region continues to experience high precipitation levels. Motorists currently on the road have been urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly on the stretch between the Naivasha Internal Container Depot (ICD) at kilometer 14 and Suswa Ranch at kilometer 39, where water levels are reportedly rising.

The Authority has deployed traffic marshals and requested police intervention to manage the growing queue of vehicles. Drivers are strictly cautioned against attempting to cross flooded sections, as the force of the water and the unpredictable nature of the silt deposits pose a significant risk of vehicles being swept away or becoming deeply bogged down.

For those who have not yet started their journeys, the government is advising a total delay in travel until water levels subside and the silt is cleared. The B7 road is notorious for its geological vulnerability, often suffering from deep fissures and flash floods during the rainy season due to the volcanic soils prevalent in the Rift Valley.

The closure of this section of the B7 highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in flood-prone regions of the Great Rift Valley. Siltation, in particular, requires heavy machinery to restore the road surface to a safe, drivable condition, a process that KeNHA says is being undertaken "around the clock."

As of late Thursday, there was no confirmed timeline for the full reopening of the road, although the Authority expressed commitment to restoring normal traffic flow as soon as the weather permits and the silt is removed. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official KeNHA communication channels for real-time updates before committing to the Narok route.