Authorities in Migori County have shut down the pedestrian footbridge along the Isebania–Sare A1 Road after rising river levels caused major damage, leaving the structure unsafe.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) reported that persistent heavy rains have swollen River Migori, washing away protective gabions upstream of the footbridge. This has left the crossing unstable and at risk of collapse.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public and all road users that the section at the Migori Footbridge along the Isebania–Sare (A1) Road will be closed to traffic indefinitely,” the agency said in a statement.
Pedestrians who normally rely on the bridge have been directed to use the main bridge intended for motor vehicles until repairs are possible. KeNHA said it is monitoring water levels closely and will resume restoration work once conditions are safe for engineers.
Director General Luka Kimeli expressed regret over the inconvenience, appealing for public understanding and cooperation while mitigation efforts continue.
The closure comes as heavy rainfall affects several parts of the country, raising water levels in rivers and threatening infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the County Government of Migori has issued a separate warning over the main Migori Bridge in town. Inspections revealed deterioration on the Suna West expansion joints, prompting urgent safety measures.
“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,” Governor Ochilo Ayacko said.
Governor Ayacko warned that the bridge has serious weaknesses on the Suna West side and urged road users to avoid it where possible. Those who must cross were advised to proceed with caution as safety assessments continue.
Migori is among the counties forecast to receive heavy rains over the coming days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department. Residents have been warned to prepare for possible flooding from Saturday, February 21 to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The weather advisory covers the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, and is expected to move to the Southeastern Lowlands and the South Coast. Rainfall in these areas could reach 20 millimetres within 24 hours on Saturday and rise to over 30 millimetres daily from Sunday to Tuesday, February 22-24.
