Motorists plying the Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway were forced to cancel their Monday morning journey after the road was cut off by floods between Lous Market and Kambi Karaya in West Pokot County.
West Pokot County Commissioner, Abdullahi Khalif regretted the destruction following heavy downpours that have been experienced in the area, leading to the damage.
He said traffic police from Marich Police Station were dispatched to guide motorists after authorities received reports about the damaged section.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of stranded travellers. We are working tirelessly to explore solutions and restore connectivity since we understand the gravity of the situation,” said the CC.
Khalif called for patience among road users, saying relevant agencies were seeking alternative routes for transport continuity with efforts to rehabilitate the section of the highway already underway.
He cautioned travellers against becoming impatient during the ongoing heavy rains in the region and assured the public that prompt updates on the affected highway will be disseminated as the situation unfolds.
Travellers were stranded on both sides of the huge gulley on the road, cutting short their journeys.
There are usually a lot of transport activities on the highway that also serve those going to and coming from South Sudan.
“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.
By Richard Muhambe
