Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has been told to speed up drainage improvement and repairs on sections of the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road in preparation for the expected El Niño rains to prevent flooding and minimise damage to the critical infrastructure.

The road was temporarily shut on March 7, 2026, due to flooding that led to accumulation of silt near Kedong Ranch close to Mt Suswa.

That particular section of the road is prone to mudslides during torrential rains and has even developed deep fissures geologists attribute to tectonic plates drifting as eastern Africa peels away to form a new continent.

Transport operators through their spokesman Andrew Mwangi, a director at Narokline Services, noted that the road was a critical link for the transportation of goods and services between Nairobi, the Rift Valley and neighbouring counties, supporting trade and economic activity in the region.

Mwangi urged KeNHA to ensure safe and seamless connectivity along the highway network by deploying engineers and other specialists to monitor the road as the heavy rainy season beckons.

The transporters further noted that heavy rainfall has perennially posed additional risks, particularly along the stretch between Naivasha Inland Container Depot and Suswa Ranch. They noted that the Suswa section was particularly vulnerable, saying runoff from the slopes of Mount Longonot carries volcanic sand onto the road, sometimes blocking traffic.

They petitioned authorities to improve drainage and create channels to allow water and sand to pass without obstructing the highway. Mwangi further urged KeNHA to expedite ongoing works between Mutarakwa and Mai Mahiu before the rains intensify.

“We thank the government for protecting us, but our main concern is the state of the roads. They have fallen in a state of disrepair,” Mwangi said.

He claimed that the poor condition of the road, particularly between Narok and Mai Mahiu had contributed to frequent accidents and delays for motorists. He urged the road’s authority to repair potholes and address drainage problems before the anticipated El Niño rains arrive.

“We should not wait for the rains to come and block the road. The government should act now by improving drainage and creating ways for the sand to pass,” he said.

He said the Suswa section requires preventive measures because silt washed down from Mount Longonot can accumulate on the highway and interfere with traffic. Mwangi proposed the construction of drainage structures and other measures to prevent water and sand from covering the road.

The Narok-Mai Mahiu Road is a vital economic corridor that links major agricultural regions to markets and serves as a primary gateway for Kenya’s tourism and regional trade. It connects high-potential farming areas in Narok, Bomet, and surrounding counties, allowing farmers to efficiently move produce like wheat, maize, and dairy to urban centres.

The road provides critical access to the Masa Mara, a world-renowned wildlife reserve that drives a substantial share of Kenya’s tourism revenue and forms part of the wider transport network connecting Nairobi and the Rift Valley to parts of Nyanza and neighbouring countries.

Jackson Nkuiwa, a transport operator in Narok, said the expected October-to-December rains could worsen existing problems along the highway if authorities fail to act early. He said silt frequently accumulates around Suswa, slowing traffic and creating risks for motorists.

“Silt is washed onto the road and blocks traffic, causing long delays. We ask the government and the contractors responsible for the road to address the problem before it causes more accidents,” Nkuiwa said.

He also called for urgent repairs on the Mai Mahiu-Narok section, where he said numerous potholes pose a risk to motorists and could damage vehicles.  Nkuiwa appealed to authorities to raise vulnerable sections of the road and install adequate culverts and drainage channels to control water during heavy rains.

The operators urged authorities to move beyond emergency repairs and put in place measures to protect critical road links before heavy rains begin. Nkuiwa said keeping the road passable was critical to transport and other economic activities.

“This road serves the whole country and is also an important link to neighbouring Uganda. It supports transport and other sectors of the economy, so it needs a lasting solution,” he said.

The appeal came as the country intensified preparations for the expected El Niño rains, with forecasts indicating that wet conditions could persist from October through February.

Narok County Director of Meteorological Services Stanley Kenya recently indicated that Kenya is expected to transition from below‑normal rainfall in the coming weeks to wetter‑than‑average conditions during the October-November-December short rains season.

According to Kenya, most parts of Narok County are expected to receive above average rainfalls ranging from a minimum of 200mm in Maji Moto Naroosura and Narok town wards and maximum of more than 550mm in Keyian, Kilgoris Sagamian and Shankoe, while warmer than normal temperatures are expected in all parts of the county

Kenya cautioned that during this season floods, flash floods, mudslides and landslides are expected in parts of the devolved unit. He advised county administration to work closely with relevant agencies and put in place the necessary contingency plans and early actions.

The director noted that early planning and inter-agency coordination will be critical in protecting lives, safeguarding property and ensuring continuity of essential services during the El Niño season.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Emily Kadzo