Transport Disruption Triggers Supply Shortages in Garissa

Garissa, Kenya – The ongoing closure of the Garissa-Madogo highway due to flooding is precipitating supply shortages in Garissa, potentially driving up prices of basic commodities. Since Friday evening, a critical four-kilometer stretch of the road has been impassable, disrupting the flow of goods and people to and from Nairobi and stranding travelers bound for the northeastern regions of Wajir and Mandera.

According to Kenya News Agency, this is the third disruption since the road was previously damaged by El Nino rains last December. The affected segments include the areas around the Tana River bridge, Mororo, and Kona Punda, where only temporary fixes were in place pending more substantial repairs. KeNHA has taken to social media to inform the public of the road’s status, urging caution and patience until conditions improve. “KeNHA wishes to inform the public that the road section between Garissa and Madogo is CLOSED to all road users until the water levels subside to safe levels and restoration works on damaged sections are completed,” stated the agency.

Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo has advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing floodwaters and recommended that residents near the Tana River relocate to higher ground to evade the immediate threat posed by the rising waters.