Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has kept the Marigat–Loruk (B17) Road closed following Lake Baringo floods that still overflow onto the road.
The road between kilometre 29 and 40 has been underwater for more than a week now, and drivers and locals have resorted to using alternative routes. KeNHA first closed the road on August 21 when high water levels made the road impassable.
“Marigat–Loruk Road remains closed because of flooding in Lake Baringo,” the agency said in a fresh update on Wednesday, warning motorists against attempting to navigate through the water-covered stretch.
To facilitate easy movement, there has been a diversion put in place at kilometre 29, linking the highway to the Loruk–Chemalingot Road. Motorists have been directed to make their journeys through the diversion until the road improves.
KeNHA has not given any date for when the road might be reopened, attributing that unexpected rains continue to raise water levels. The other areas around have also had heavy rainfall, flooding rivers that empty into the lake.
The government contends that it is dangerous to drive on the flooded sections since the water might erode the road, hide sinkholes, or create strong currents that might sweep vehicles away.
The agency has provided toll-free phone numbers for motorists to get live information and promised to issue new advisories when conditions become better.