The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has temporarily closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road after floods submerged the Kipsonoi River Bridge at Mugeni, disrupting transport along the key route connecting parts of Bomet and Kisii counties.
In a traffic advisory issued on March 7, 2026, KeNHA said the bridge, located between Sotik and Chebilat, had been overtopped by rising floodwaters following heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas, making the road impassable and unsafe for motorists.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road following flooding at the Kipsonoi River Bridge at Mugeni, located between Sotik and Chebilat,” Director General Luka Kimeli said.
According to KeNHA, the sudden surge in water levels resulted from sustained rainfall upstream, which caused runoff to accumulate rapidly in the Kipsonoi River and overflow across the bridge.
“Rising water levels have overtopped the bridge, rendering passage unsafe for motorists,” the authority said, warning road users against attempting to cross the flooded section.
The closure affects motorists traveling between Kaplong, Chebilat, Keroka and Kisii, a corridor commonly used by commuters, traders and public transport operators moving between the South Rift and the Gusii region.
KeNHA urged drivers to cooperate with security personnel and traffic marshals stationed along the affected road to maintain safety and prevent accidents.
“Motorists are advised to strictly follow instructions from the police and traffic marshals to prevent any accidents,” the authority stated.
To ease disruption and maintain connectivity, the highways authority directed motorists to use alternative routes while efforts to restore normal traffic flow continue.
Drivers headed to Chebilat and Keroka have been advised to use the Kaplong–Sotik–Roret–Ikonge–Chebilat–Keroka route, which is fully paved and expected to accommodate diverted traffic.
Similarly, motorists traveling toward Kisii town have been directed to use the Kaplong–Sotik–Roret–Ikonge–Kisii route, also a paved road.
The agency said it was closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure the affected section is reopened once water levels recede and the bridge is deemed safe for use.
“KeNHA assures all road users that it is working around the clock to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of motorists,” said Kimeli.
The road closure comes amid ongoing heavy rains being experienced in several parts of the country, which have triggered flooding and disrupted transport in some regions.
In Nairobi alone, authorities place the number of deaths at 25 even as search and rescue operations continue.
Authorities have continued to caution motorists and residents living near rivers and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant as rainfall persists in parts of the country.
