River Nyando Floods Force Major Highway Closure as Water Levels Continue Rising
Kisumu, 23 March 2026
River Nyando burst its banks on Monday, completely flooding Ahero Bridge and forcing authorities to close the critical Kericho-Awasi-Kisumu highway. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura warned that water levels are still rising, creating increasingly dangerous conditions for motorists attempting to cross the submerged sections.
Emergency Diversion Routes Implemented
The Nyanza Region Traffic Commandant, Dr Fredrick Ochieng’, issued an immediate advisory directing all motorists to avoid the flooded Ahero Bridge route and use alternative pathways [1]. Travellers heading to and from Kisumu must now divert at Timboroa, proceeding through Lesos to Kapsabet–Chavakali–Kisumu until conditions stabilise [1][2]. The flooding has already caused major traffic disruptions on both sides of the road, with authorities particularly concerned about night-time crossings when assessing water depth and flow strength becomes extremely difficult [1].
Rising Water Levels Pose Escalating Danger
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasised the severity of the situation, stating that ‘the river has overflowed onto the roadway, with water levels continuing to rise and posing a significant risk to motorists and other road users’ [2][4]. The advisory proves especially critical during darkness hours, when determining the depth and strength of flowing water becomes nearly impossible [2][4]. Dr Ochieng’ warned of the potential for overnight increases in river volume, which could result in vehicles and road users being swept away while attempting to cross the submerged sections [1].
Part of Nationwide Flooding Crisis
The River Nyando flooding represents just one component of a devastating nationwide crisis that has claimed at least 81 lives across Kenya, with thousands displaced as heavy rains continue pounding 21 counties [2]. Data released on 22 March revealed that seven people remain missing whilst 68,975 homes have been displaced amid the ongoing deluge [2]. Counties hardest hit include Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Kiambu, Migori, Siaya, Makueni, Busia, Wajir, Kisii, Homa Bay, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Kajiado, Kitui, Kwale, Machakos, Kericho, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and West Pokot [2].
Infrastructure Damage and Regional Impact
The floods have severely disrupted essential services nationwide, rendering roads and bridges impassable, causing power outages across several regions, and damaging water supply systems [2]. Schools have been affected, compounding the humanitarian crisis, whilst widespread flooding has destroyed residential areas, farms, markets, and businesses, raising serious concerns over food security and livelihoods [2]. Regional fatality data indicates Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 37, followed by the Eastern region with 21 deaths and the Rift Valley with 8, whilst the Nyanza region has reported seven fatalities [2]. Government agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross Society and National Disaster Operations Centre, are coordinating response efforts encompassing rescue operations, humanitarian aid distribution, and infrastructure restoration, as the Kenya Meteorological Department warns the country should brace for continued heavy rainfall and flash floods during the early part of the long rains season [2].