The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the indefinite closure of the Migori Footbridge along the Isebania–Sare (A1) Road following structural damage caused by rising water levels on River Migori.
The Authority said heavy rains have swollen the river, washing away gabion protection on the upstream side of the bridge and leaving the pedestrian crossing dangerously compromised.
In a statement on Monday, KeNHA warned that the footbridge is currently cut off and hanging precariously, posing a safety risk to users.
“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 notice stated.
Pedestrians who normally use the crossing have been advised to instead utilise the main bridge designated for motorised traffic during the closure period.
The authority said it is closely monitoring the situation and will resume reinstatement works once water levels subside and the site is safe for engineers to operate.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and appealed for public cooperation as mitigation measures continue.
The closure comes amid ongoing heavy rains being experienced in several parts of the country, which have raised water levels in major rivers and affected key infrastructure.
Earlier, the County Government of Migori issued a public advisory warning residents and road users of emerging structural concerns affecting the main Migori Bridge in Migori Town.
The county said technical observations had detected visible deterioration on the Suna West expansion joints of the bridge, prompting urgent safety attention.
In a statement, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko advised the public to minimise use of the bridge where possible.
Motorists and pedestrians who must cross have been urged to exercise heightened vigilance and strictly follow any safety guidance issued on site.
Governor Ayacko cautioned road users to take extra care, noting that the structure is showing worrying signs of distress.
“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,” Ayacko said.
He warned that the bridge has exhibited serious structural weaknesses, particularly on the Suna West side joints, and advised road users to avoid the crossing where possible or proceed with utmost caution as assessments continue.
Migori is among the counties that have been listed by the Kenya Meteorological Department to receive heavy rains in the coming days.
The Department warned residents to brace for potential floods from Saturday, February 21, to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The advisory affects counties across the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi. It is expected to spread to the Southeastern Lowlands and Coastal region, particularly the South Coast.
According to Met, rainfall in the affected areas is likely to exceed 20mm within 24 hours on Saturday and may intensify to more than 30mm daily from Sunday to Tuesday (February 22-24).
