Heavy rains caused widespread flooding across several parts of Nairobi Friday, leaving major roads impassable and disrupting transport.
The downpour, which began earlier in the evening, quickly overwhelmed drainage systems in several neighbourhoods including Nairobi West, South C and South B, Kilimani area, Parklands, Eastlands, Nairobi city center and several other parts where roads were submerged under rising water levels.
Motorists along Uhuru Highway were among the hardest hit, with dramatic scenes showing vehicles submerged as floodwaters engulfed sections of the busy roadway.
Flooding was also reported in most parts of the city where heavy runoff turned streets into streams, slowing movement and forcing some drivers to abandon flooded routes.
In several areas, commuters were forced to disembark from public service vehicles and wade through the flooded streets as traffic ground to a halt.
Residents in South C also reported floods in their homes after drainage systems failed to cope with the sudden surge of rainwater.
The flooding sparked frustration among city residents, many of whom took to social media to blame the Nairobi City County Government for what they described as persistent drainage failures in the capital.
Critics argued that blocked drains, uncollected garbage and rapid urban development without adequate infrastructure have left the city vulnerable to flooding whenever heavy rains fall.
Motorists using Nairobi Expressway Nairobi were Friday evening granted temporary free access to the road following the severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
In a public notice issued Friday evening, Moja Expressway Company announced that the toll road would be open to all motorists at no charge for a two-hour window between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
The company said the decision was prompted by the ongoing downpour that has caused flooding along A8 (Mombasa Road), one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors linking the city centre to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the wider Mombasa highway.
“Due to the ongoing downpour and flooding along the A8 (Mombasa Road), MOJA extends free usage of the Nairobi Expressway to all motorists from 2100 hrs to 2300 hrs,” the company said in the notice addressed to motorists.
The move is expected to ease traffic congestion and offer motorists a safer alternative route as sections of Mombasa Road continue to experience flooding.
Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid flooded sections of roads, and follow traffic advisories issued by relevant agencies.
Met department had warned of the flooding and urged for proper preparations.
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