Ministry steps up safety measures as heavy rains damage roads

Vehicles submerged in water after River dawa burst its banks. [File, Standard]

The Ministry of Transport has cautioned motorists and road users against using at least eight roads currently affected due to the heavy rains pounding the country.

The eight include the Isiolo - Marsabit Road, Wamba - Lareta Road, the Marsabit - North Horr Road, Nuno - Modogashe Road, Modogashe - Wajir Road, and the Garisa - Sareto - Dadaab Road.

Other impassable roads are the Isiolo - Kulamawe - Modogashe Road and Elwak - Lafey - Mandera Road.

The Ministry says it is in the process of implementing several road measures in order to ensure the safety of Kenyans on roads during the rainy season.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said that they have identified the affected areas and are working with road agencies to sort the issues out and respond to emergencies.

"I have directed all the road agencies to act promptly to the emergencies as they occur. I have also appointed the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to be the lead agency in the coordination of all the intervention works in an effort to ensure traffic is restored as quickly as possible," Murkomen said in a statement.

Motorists and road users have been urged to avoid any attempts to cross the flooded road sections, or drive through the affected roads, to avert danger.

Elwak and Mandera towns in the North Eastern Region have been submerged by the floods.

"We are closely monitoring all roads across the country, and have stepped up our efforts in managing traffic flow in affected areas through various interventions, including issuing road usage advisories as and when necessary," he said.