Motorists have been warned to avoid the Ahero Bridge on Kericho-Awasi-Kisumu Road after River Nyando burst its banks on Monday.

A press release by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura directed motorists and other road users along the route to use alternative routes.

“Traffic to and from Kisumu is hereby directed to divert at Timboroa through Lessos to Kapsabet–Chavakali-Kisumu until the situation normalises,” read the statement issued on behalf of the Multi-Agency Emergency Response Secretariat.

The spokesperson said road users are advised to exercise caution and comply fully with the directive to ensure safety. Relentless rainfall in the highlands has caused River Nyando to swell, overflowing onto the roadway above the critical bridge and adjacent land at Ahero market in Nyando Sub-County.

“The river has overflowed onto the roadway, with water levels continuing to rise and posing a significant risk to motorists and other road users,” Dr Mwaura noted.

He said public advisory was guided by the Nyanza Region Traffic Commandant Fredrick Ochieng’. He advised motorists using the road to exercise extreme caution and strictly follow instructions by authorities.

“This advisory is especially critical during the hours of darkness when it may be difficult to accurately determine the depth and strength of the flowing water,” Mwaura said.

The government also assured to continue monitoring the situation and issue public updates accordingly.

The alert follows flooding that has displaced more than 800 households in Nyando and Nyakach sub-counties.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Robert Ojwang