Heavy Traffic on Mombasa Road as Floods Render Mlolongo-Cabanas Stretch Impassable

Motorists using the busy Mombasa Road faced significant delays today after heavy rains submerged the highway, specifically the section connecting Mlolongo and Cabanas. The flooding has left many vehicles stalled and others diverted, as the water levels rose high enough to make the road dangerous for standard vehicles.

The situation, which escalated following a night of intense rainfall, has effectively paralyzed movement on one of Kenya's most vital economic arteries. Traffic has backed up for several kilometers, with long-distance trucks and public service vehicles caught in the gridlock that started in the early morning hours.

According to reports from the ground, the drainage systems in the affected areas were unable to handle the sudden surge of runoff. This resulted in water spilling over the main carriage way and the service lanes, creating a temporary lake that obstructed both inbound and outbound traffic.

The National Police Service has issued advisories to road users, suggesting the use of alternative routes where possible. However, the sheer volume of traffic diverted to smaller link roads has caused secondary congestion in surrounding neighborhoods like Syokimau and Embakasi.

Local residents and commuters shared images of trucks partially submerged in the floodwaters. In some instances, small vehicles that attempted to wade through the deeper sections were seen stalled, requiring towing services to clear the lanes.

This disruption comes at a time when the Kenya Meteorological Department has been warning of continued heavy precipitation across the Nairobi metropolitan area. The recurring nature of flooding on this specific stretch has once again brought the city's drainage infrastructure under scrutiny by transport experts and the public.

By mid-morning, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) teams were reportedly monitoring the situation, though the water levels remained high, preventing any immediate technical intervention to clear the path.

The flooding has also impacted the operations of businesses located along the highway, with many staff members unable to reach their workplaces on time. Logistics firms have expressed concern over the delays, noting that the Mlolongo to Cabanas corridor is a primary link for goods moving from the Port of Mombasa to the city center and beyond.

Travelers heading to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were among the most affected, with many being forced to alight from vehicles and walk with their luggage to reach the airport gates or find alternative transport on the other side of the flooded zone.

As the rains persist, authorities have urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing flooded sections, even if they appear shallow. The risk of being swept away or falling into invisible potholes created by the water remains high.