Traffic along Nakuru-Eldoret Highway disrupted as KeNHA fixes sinkhole at Kiamunyi
Sinkholes are common in the area and are occasionally witnessed when there are heavy rains
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced traffic disruption along the Nakuru-Eldoret/Baringo Highway following the emergence of a sinkhole at the Kiamunyi area near Riva petrol Station near the KFA roundabout in Nakuru County.
In an advisory to the public and motorists early today, KeNHA stated that there would be a disruption of traffic.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public about a traffic disruption on the Nakuru – Kampi ya Moto (B17) Road, specifically at Kiamunyi near Riva Petrol station, approximately 1.5 km from the KFA Roundabout,” They said in the notice.
KeNHA advised motorists to use the diversions created. Equally, traffic signs have been installed along the road to guide them.
KeNHA called on the motorists to observe the signs in place for their safety.
“Motorists travelling to and from Nakuru, Eldoret, and Baringo are advised to use the diversion road as directed by police and traffic marshals on-site. Motorists should approach the affected section with caution, adhere to the traffic signs displayed, and follow the guidance provided by the traffic marshals and police at the scene,” it added.
Sinkholes are common in the Kiamunyi area and are occasionally witnessed when there are heavy rains.
Geologists have also attributed the formation of the sinkholes to active movement of tectonic plates in the region.
Scientists also believe that below the Great Rift Valley are loose ash and sand that can be easily washed away by floodwaters, particularly during rainy seasons.
The incident comes months after September last year, when one person succumbed after a sinkhole formed near the Nakuru-Nairobi highway following heavy downpour in the area.
According to witnesses who spoke to the press, the victim was swept away by the raging waters after he slipped into one of the sinkholes.
Following the incident, residents living within the affected areas were urged by the county government to relocate and move to safer regions, with local authorities calling to intervene and construct water pathways.
