Road Safety Alert - Motorists Stranded as Floods Submerge Kipsonoi River Bridge

The Kenya National Highways Authority issued an urgent traffic advisory on Saturday morning following the flooding of the Kipsonoi River Bridge at Mugeni. The crossing, situated along the busy Kaplong to Chabilat road, has been rendered impassable for all vehicular traffic after water breached the bridge deck.

Engineering teams on the ground reported that the situation was triggered by intense rainfall within the upstream catchment areas. This surge caused a rapid rise in river levels, overtopping the infrastructure and posing a significant risk to structural integrity and commuter safety.

KeNHA officials confirmed that the section is currently unsafe for transit. Traffic marshals and police officers have been deployed to the site to prevent motorists from attempting to cross the submerged span, which remains under constant monitoring by the authority's regional engineers.

To mitigate the disruption, the roads agency provided specific alternative routes for those traveling between Bomet, Nyamira, and Kisii counties. Motorists heading toward Chebilat and Keroka from the Kaplong side are being diverted to the Kaplong-Sotik-Roret-Ikonge-Chebilat route, which remains fully paved and operational.

For those traveling toward Kisii, the authority recommends using the Kaplong-Sotik-Roret-Ikonge-Ekerenyo-Kisii route. These detours, while longer, ensure that heavy transit vehicles and private motorists avoid the hazardous conditions currently persisting at the Kipsonoi River channel

The flooding at Mugeni highlights ongoing challenges with drainage capacity in the region during peak rainfall seasons. The residents noted that the river responded quickly to the downpour, with the bridge becoming submerged within a few hours of the storm's onset in the highlands.

KeNHA stated that they are closely watching the water levels and will provide an update once the flow recedes. Technical teams will need to conduct a thorough assessment of the bridge foundations and approach roads for any signs of scouring or erosion before the route is officially reopened to the public.

Safety remains the primary concern for the highway authority, but they have urged drivers to strictly adhere to instructions provided by the traffic marshals on-site. Any attempt to bypass the barriers could lead to vehicles being swept away by the fast-moving currents.

The Authority expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of the public as they work to manage the emergency. Construction experts suggest that recurring issues at such crossings may eventually require hydrological restudies to determine if higher bridge elevations or additional relief culverts are necessary for long-term climate resilience.

For now, the Kaplong-Chabilat stretch remains a high-risk zone. Travelers are advised to plan for extra travel time and to remain alert for further advisories as the rainy season continues to impact infrastructure across the Rift Valley and Western regions.