Migori urges caution heavy rains destroy main bridge

Migori Bridge destroyed by heavy rainfall / Screengrab

The County Government of Migori has issued a public advisory warning residents and road users of emerging structural concerns affecting the main Migori Bridge in Migori Town.

The county said technical observations had detected visible deterioration on the Suna West expansion joints of the bridge, prompting urgent safety attention.

In a statement, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko advised the public to minimise use of the bridge where possible.

Motorists and pedestrians who must cross have been urged to exercise heightened vigilance and strictly follow any safety guidance issued on site.

Governor Ayacko cautioned road users to take extra care, noting that the structure is showing worrying signs of distress.

“The County Government of Migori wishes to inform residents and all road users of a developing structural concern affecting the main Migori Bridge in Migori Town. Technical observations have identified visible signs of deterioration on the Suna West expansion joints of the bridge, raising safety concerns that require urgent attention,” Ayacko said.

He warned that the bridge has exhibited serious structural weaknesses, particularly on the Suna West side joints, and advised road users to avoid the crossing where possible or proceed with utmost caution as assessments continue.

Multi-agency teams drawn from the County Department of Environment and Disaster Management, working in coordination with the Office of the County Commissioner and other relevant authorities, are currently conducting a detailed structural assessment.

The county government said immediate interim safety measures are being implemented even as longer-term corrective interventions are being evaluated.

Governor Ayacko assured residents that public safety remains the county’s top priority and pledged continued updates as more information becomes available.

“We are working urgently with the relevant authorities to ensure a lasting solution is found and the safety of our people is fully guaranteed,” he said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department also issued a heavy rainfall alert covering large parts of the country, warning residents to brace for potential floods from Saturday, February 21, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

The advisory affects counties across the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. It is expected to spread to the South-eastern Lowlands and Coastal region, particularly the South Coast.

According to Met, rainfall in the affected areas is likely to exceed 20mm within 24 hours on Saturday and may intensify to more than 30mm daily from Sunday to Tuesday (February 22-24). 

The intensity of the rainfall is expected to reduce on February 25.

Counties listed as high risk include Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, southern Tana River, and parts of Kilifi.

“We urge residents to take precautionary measures and monitor official updates closely. Heavy rainfall can cause sudden flooding even in areas that might not have experienced significant rain, so preparedness is critical," Kenya Met Acting Managing Director Edward Muriuki said in a statement.

The department advised residents to avoid driving or walking through moving water, to be cautious in open fields, and to watch out for flash floods in low-lying areas and riverine regions. 

"Flood waters can move fast and may appear downstream from areas that are currently dry. People must exercise extreme caution,” the Muriuki added.

This advisory comes after weeks of sporadic rainfall across the country, with some regions already reporting waterlogging and minor flooding.