The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory following the appearance of a sinkhole on the Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto (B17) Road.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, KeNHA said the sinkhole had appeared at Kiamunyi near Riva Petrol Station, about 1.5 kilometres from the KFA Roundabout.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to inform the public about a traffic disruption on the Nakuru-Kampi ya Moto (B17) Road, specifically at Kiamunyi near Riva Petrol Station, approximately 1.5 km from the KFA Roundabout. This disruption is caused by the emergence of a sinkhole in that area, and maintenance works are currently underway to address the issue,” the statement read.
KeNHA urged motorists travelling to and from Nakuru, Eldoret, and Baringo to use the diversion route as guided by traffic police and marshals.
“Motorists travelling to and from Nakuru, Eldoret, and Baringo are advised to use the diversion road as directed by police and traffic marshals on-site. For safety, motorists should approach the affected section with caution, adhere to the traffic signs displayed, and follow the guidance provided by the traffic marshals and police at the scene,” KeNHA advised.
Sinkholes menace
In early September 2024, Nakuru County experienced severe flooding and geological disturbances following heavy rains, leading to the formation of sinkholes and the tragic loss of a life.
On the evening of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a man was swept away by floodwaters while riding his motorcycle near the Eveready roundabout along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway.
The man’s body was recovered downstream around midnight and taken to the Nakuru County Mortuary.
The heavy downpour led to the formation of sinkholes in the Eveready area of Nakuru West Subcounty, approximately 10 meters from the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway. One such sinkhole measured about 40 meters in length and 15 meters in depth.
“We have also observed a sinkhole that has formed; the soil has eroded… We are continuing to assess the damage,” Deputy Commissioner of Nakuru West, Omari Ali, stated.
An electric pole also sank into one of the sinkholes, posing a hazard to residents.
Geologists have long warned about Nakuru’s susceptibility to geohazards due to its location within the Great Rift Valley.
Clement Lenashuru, a natural research scientist, explained that the region’s instability is due to volcanic activity that occurred during the formation of the Rift Valley, leaving a layer of pumice or volcanic ash covering numerous fault lines.
“Beneath the surface, the region is composed of loose ash sand that can be easily washed away with water percolation,” he noted.