There has been a government advisory following the overflow of River Nyando at Ahero Bridge along the Kericho–Awasi–Kisumu Road, raising safety concerns for motorists and nearby residents as of Tuesday morning.
The alert indicates that the river has burst its banks and continues to rise rapidly, with strong currents and difficulty in gauging water depth.
According to Nyanza Regional Traffic Commander Dr. Fredrick Ochieng’, motorists and residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid crossing flooded sections, and instead use designated alternative routes.
Ochieng’ warned that water levels could increase further overnight, posing a risk of vehicles and pedestrians being swept away.
“Motorists travelling to and from Kisumu have been advised to divert at Timboroa through Lesos to Kapsabet–Chavakali–Kisumu until the situation stabilises. Those heading in the opposite direction are advised to use the Nairobi-bound route,” he said.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reiterated the advisory, emphasizing that the public should avoid the affected area as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
He urged motorists to follow official directives and prioritise safety.
Updates shared on X by the Kenya Coast Guard Service indicate that response teams are on the ground following severe flooding in Ahero trading centre. Depicting a quick response to ensure the safety of residents and protect lives from being lost to the flooding of River Nyando.
Reports show that homes, farms, businesses, and access roads have been submerged, with water levels rising above the bridge and spilling onto the roadway, endangering both motorists and pedestrians.
“The Ahero–Kisumu road is heavily congested due to a massive traffic snarl-up. Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Red Cross, and Kisumu County disaster management teams are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency response efforts,” the statement said.
The flooding comes amid a broader pattern of sustained rainfall across western Kenya, with forecasts indicating continued cloud cover and recurring thunderstorms over the coming days. This persistence of rainfall is likely to maintain high River Nyando levels and prolong flood risks in low-lying and flood-prone areas, including regions surrounding Kisumu and the Lake Victoria basin.
Weather projections further suggest intermittent storms through midweek and into the weekend, conditions that could exacerbate surface runoff, overwhelm drainage systems, and delay recovery efforts in already affected zones.
Moreover, the impacts of floods in most instances culminate in increased risks of water-borne diseases such as cholera and malaria, driven by contaminated water supplies and stagnant floodwaters.
Authorities continue to urge residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, avoid flooded zones, and adhere to safety advisories as response efforts remain underway.
