The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the reopening of the Kaplong-Kisii Road, which was temporarily closed on Saturday, January 13, 2023, due to flooding.
The closure was necessitated by rising water levels at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni, situated between Sotik and Chebilat.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 14, KeNHA assured that the road is safe for travel.
The highway authority said the decision to reopen the road came after careful assessment and confirmation that the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni did not suffer any damage as a result of the flooding.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority has opened the Kaplong – Kisii Road. This is after the water levels at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in Mugeni receded. The bridge has been assessed and ascertained that the flooding caused no damage,” KeNHA stated.
Kaplong-Kisii road closed
The closure on Saturday was prompted by heavy rainfall in the catchment basins, leading to a surge in runoff, particularly in the evening hours.
KeNHA said they were on the ground monitoring water levels throughout the day, guiding motorists on safe crossing sections.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority has closed Kaplong – Kisii Road. This has been occasioned by flooding of the road at Kipsonoi River Bridge, Mugeni, located between Sotik and Chebilat. The water levels above the bridge render passage unsafe,” KeNHA declared.
Motorists were advised to take alternative routes during the closure. Those headed to Chebilat and Keroka were advised to use the Kaplong – Sotik – Roret – Ikonge – Chebilat – Keroka route (paved).
The recommended alternative for motorists headed to Kisii was Kaplong – Sotik – Roret – Ikonge – Kisii (paved).
“The Authority shall advise once the bridge is fully safe for crossing,” KeNHA assured.
