NAIROBI, Kenya – The road linking Nairobi and Madogo has been reopened for traffic, following its rehabilitation by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA). The repair of three sections of the Nairobi-Garissa highway, which had been severely affected by floods, comes as a significant relief to the residents of Madogo, who faced looming shortages of food and other essentials.
According to Kenya News Agency, However, the section between Madogo and Garissa remains closed, continuing to impact Garissa town residents. KeNHA announced that vehicles started using the reopened ‘Arer’ A3 Bangale-Madogo section from 7.30 p.m. on Monday.
The reopening is expected to stabilize the soaring prices of commodities in the region. A recent spot check indicated a significant rise in the cost of essential items, with prices more than doubling due to the road closure. For example, the price of sugar, maize flour, and milk had seen a drastic increase, and fuel supplies in Garissa and Madogo towns were running critically low, with some petrol stations completely out of stock.
The closure also affected public servants residing in Madogo, Tana River County, who were unable to report to work in Garissa town and surrounding areas for the second consecutive day.