Headline:
Nairobi Expressway Offers Toll Waiver Amid Flood Chaos – Here’s What Motorists Need to Know
Subheading:
Heavy rains trigger severe flooding, forcing temporary free passage on key exits as authorities scramble to restore normalcy.
Nairobi, Kenya – Motorists using the Nairobi Expressway from Mlolongo toward the city centre will enjoy temporary toll-free exits after heavy flooding caused major disruptions along the A8 corridor.
In a swift response to worsening traffic conditions, MOJA Expressway Company announced Thursday that vehicles exiting via the Southern Bypass and Eastern Bypass (Exit A) would not be charged until floodwaters recede and congestion eases. The move aims to relieve pressure on one of the capital’s busiest routes, where rising waters have left commuters stranded for hours.
Floods Bring Nairobi to a Standstill
The decision follows severe waterlogging along Mombasa Road near the Eastern Bypass, where sections of the highway were submerged, trapping vehicles and raising safety concerns. Authorities have urged drivers to proceed with caution as emergency teams monitor the situation.
“Due to significant flooding on the A8 section, we’ve implemented this temporary measure to ease congestion for motorists heading into the city,” a MOJA Expressway spokesperson said. While all inbound entry points remain open, only exits at the Southern Bypass and Eastern Bypass (Exit A) qualify for the waiver.
Rescue Operations Underway
The crisis isn’t limited to the expressway. In Mukuru kwa Njenga, an informal settlement in Nairobi, unconfirmed reports suggest missing persons and families cut off by floodwaters. Kenya Red Cross teams have been deployed to assess the damage and coordinate rescue efforts.
Near Lang’ata Road’s T-Mall, emergency responders pulled occupants from a vehicle trapped in a waterlogged ditch. No injuries were reported, but the incident underscores the dangers posed by the relentless downpours.
Further afield, three people were rescued in Kajiado County after their lorry was caught in rising waters from the Kandisi River along Magadi Road. Similar flash floods have disrupted travel in Moyale, Marsabit County, signaling a widening crisis.
What’s Next?
MOJA Expressway has assured motorists that the toll waiver will remain until normal traffic flow resumes. Updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
For assistance, drivers can contact the Nairobi Expressway hotline at 0111 039 777.
The floods come amid Kenya’s ongoing rainy season, which has battered infrastructure, displaced communities, and raised fears of further casualties. With more rain forecasted, authorities are bracing for additional challenges.
— Reported by Nexio News
Why This Matters:
- Commuters: Free toll exits provide temporary relief amid grueling delays.
- Safety: Rising waters pose risks to drivers and pedestrians alike.
- Wider Impact: Flooding has disrupted travel beyond Nairobi, affecting multiple regions.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
