Transport paralysis as KeNHA close Mai Mahiu-Narok highway after developing severe cracks
There is a major transport paralysis for motorists plying through the Mai-Mahiu-Narok route after Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced temporarily closure of the busy highway after it developed severe cracks cutting across the road rendering it unsafe for motorists and other road users.
KeNHA management headed by Director General Engineer Kung’u Ndung’u today morning made a public notice appeal notifying of the closure until the situation is remedied.
The authority says that the cause of the crack has not been established through preliminary reports attribute it to the ongoing rains.
However, the road engineers are also auditing the quality of workmanship by the contractor who executed the multi-million road construction contract to ascertain if there is any form of liability in the construction works.
Road users have since been advised to use alternative routes leaving majority of them stranded.
“As KeNHA embarks on restoration works in the affected area, all road users plying the Mai Mahiu- Narok route are advised to use the following alternative routes. Narok – Kisiriri – Mau Summit – Njoro turn off (B18) Road, to join Nakuru and other destinations. Narok – Bomet – Kaplong (B6) Road and connect to Kaplong – Kericho (B7) Road. The authority is working to restore the damaged section of the road.” The notice read in part.
Fears are rife that the cracks believed to extend further could even cave in thus exposing road users to potentially grave danger amid ongoing heavy downpour t
According to KeNHA management, the affected area, now condoned off as a crime scene is just six kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok direction.
Further, the area has in the past been affected by similar earth movements.
