Floods Sever Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway, Disrupting Transport

KAPENGURIA – Motorists planning to travel on the Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway on Monday morning had to cancel their plans as floods washed away a critical section of the road between Lous Market and Kambi Karaya in West Pokot County. The incident has significantly disrupted transportation in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, Abdullahi Khalif, heavy rainfall led to the road’s destruction, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Traffic police from Marich Police Station were deployed to assist motorists and manage the flow of vehicles after the damage was reported. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of stranded travelers. We are working tirelessly to explore solutions and restore connectivity since we understand the gravity of the situation,” Khalif stated during a press briefing.

Khalif urged patience from road users as relevant agencies are actively seeking alternative routes to ensure transport continuity. Rehabilitation efforts for the damaged highway section are already underway. He emphasized the importance of caution during the ongoing heavy rains in the region and assured the public that updates on the highway’s status would be provided as they become available.

The washout created a large gulley, effectively halting all travel across this busy thoroughfare, which also serves as a vital link for traffic to and from South Sudan. Travelers were left stranded on both sides of the impassable gap. “The gulley is so massive that no one can risk crossing it. We are lucky we reached this point when the road had been washed away; otherwise, it would have been a disaster if it collapsed while we were crossing it,” said James Kinuthia, a lorry driver affected by the road closure.