Avoid these roads during the rainy season in Nairobi, warn agencies

Two Government agencies have declared at least 15 sections of city roads dangerous because of flooding.

The National Transport and Safety Authority and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) want motorists and pedestrians to avoid the sections during heavy rains due to unfavourable road conditions.

The dangerous sections include Lang'ata Road (T-Mall), Muhoho Road/Popo Road Junction, Muhoho Road at Ngong River crossing and Lusaka Road, and Baricho Road at the Anti-Malaria drain crossing.

Others are Jogoo Road near Makadara Law Courts, James Gichuru Road at Olenguruone Junction and near Convent Drive junction, Marcus Garvey/Chania Avenue junction and Kipevu/Ushirika Road junction.

Lang'ata South Road at Tangaza College and near Lang'ata Road, Lower Kabete/Brookside Drive junction, Jakaya Kikwete Road at the outlet of the main drainage from the Department of Defence (DOD) and Lenana Road next to DOD gate are other danger spots. "KeNHA advises motorists and pedestrians to avoid them during the heavy rains. The agency is on alert to unblock storm water drainage facilities at the affected areas," read a statement sent to newsrooms.

The authorities further urged motorists not to risk their lives by attempting to cross flooded areas unless advised by the traffic police and the road agencies.

They added that they are monitoring traffic flow and areas that could pose a danger and urged the public to call 0718555999 for updates.

In Nairobi alone, at least seven people have been killed since Friday when the rains pounded various parts. Meanwhile, tens of passengers spent the night along the the Makuyu-Makutano highway on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway after flooding on the roads on Saturday.

The traffic snarl-up was also caused by overlapping in both lanes. Some of the motorists spent almost 12 hours at the scene. Police arrived to clear the mess yesterday morning.

The jam stretched for many kilometres amid calls for authorities to ease the situation.

Heavy rains are being experienced in various parts of the country and have caused over 20 deaths and several displacements.