Transport paralysed as Garissa-Nairobi highway cut off by flood waters

Heavy rains that continue to pound the region have carpeted a 4-kilometre stretch of the busy, road leaving thousands of travellers stranded and perishable goods at risk of rotting. 

This was the situation for the better part of Sunday after the Garissa-Nairobi highway was rendered impassable at Madogo area by flood waters that submerged a 4-kilometre stretch of the busy highway.

Travellers had to queue in order to get across the flooded stretch and part with at least Ksh1,500 for a 4-kilometre ride to Garissa town.

Traffic gradually built up at Madogo, a lorry stuck on the flooded stretch serving as a warning to those who might attempt to drive through the raging waters.

Businessmen opted to sell the vegetable stock that was destined for Garissa in a bid to cut on losses.

Motorists castigated the government for what they said are quick fixes that fail to arrest the flooding situation on the busy road.

The Kenya National Highways Authority had on Friday announced the closure of he Garissa - Madogo A3 road section due to flooding.

The authority had indicated that the heavy rains had also caused flooding at Tana River bridge, Mororo and Kona Punda areas.