Landslide blocks section of Iten–Kabarnet road after heavy rains

A landslide has blocked a section of the Iten–Kabarnet Road near Kolol following heavy rainfall across the country, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has said.

In a traffic advisory issued on Saturday, KeNHA noted that the incident has disrupted traffic flow along the affected stretch as restoration works get underway.

The Authority said that efforts are ongoing to restore normal traffic along the road as soon as possible.

Motorists who have not yet started their journeys have been advised to use an alternative route through Iten, Eldoret, Eldama Ravine and Kabarnet.

"We urge road users to exercise caution and strictly follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals deployed at the site to ensure safety," KeNHA said in a statement on X.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as necessary as work continues."

KeNHA also thanked the public for their cooperation as efforts proceed to restore normal traffic flow along the affected road.

Heavy rains continue to affect several parts of the country, with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) warning of possible flash floods, landslides and displacement of residents in its latest forecast for the first week of May 2026.

In particular, the weatherman cited the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and parts of North Eastern Kenya.

Some of these areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall events, especially during the afternoon and evening hours, often accompanied by thunderstorms.

KMD cautioned that the ongoing wet conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, river overflows, and landslides in hilly and mountainous regions.

Communities living in vulnerable zones have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures as the ground remains saturated from previous rains.

"Continued heavy rainfall in the regions is likely to worsen waterlogging, flooding of croplands, and physical damage to crops, while also increasing soil erosion and nutrient leaching," the agency said in a statement.