The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has closed down a section of the Kasoiyo-Tenges-Saos tarmac road following a landslide in the Borowonin area on Monday morning
According to Baringo Central Sub County KeRRA official Danstan Nyachiro, the closure will allow a contractor to conduct on-site maintenance to assess the damage and repair the landslide-affected points before being certified for public use.
Nyachiro has directed motorists to use alternative routes like Tenges—Kabsenet-Kaptipsokon-Kituro and Tartar—Kabsis-Bosin during the closure period, which they anticipate will last about two weeks.
Further, he advised motorists plying the busy route to exercise caution as more cracks have developed along the sloppy section, posing danger to users.
Speaking at the collapsed section, they said they would collaborate with security personnel to direct vehicles at the two entry points of the road, Kasoiyo in Baringo Central and Saos in Koibatek Sub Counties, to avert risks.
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Nyachiro, who issued a general caution to motorists, stated that as heavy downpours continue to be experienced in many parts of the country, they should be extra careful, ensure they have functioning headlights, and avoid speeding, especially at night or when there is fog.
“Motorists be careful because this is a rainy season and the roads are slippery, so we request you to reduce your speed, carry maximum passengers in order to save lives.”
Baringo deputy governor Eng Felix Kimaiyo, who visited the scene to assess the damage caused by the landslide, lauded KeRRA and other stakeholders for their prompt response to the natural disaster.
He said the road is crucial infrastructure that links Eldama Ravine and Kabarnet, the county headquarters.
However, he called for routine inspection and maintenance of the road constructed in 1985, and was in dire need of proper rehabilitation.
Kandagor who called for unblocking of culverts also urged the concerned agencies to control the use of heavy commercial vehicles ferrying quarry stones which he observed have led to rapid deterioration of the critical infrastructure.
