The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is proposing a new 4.5-kilometre alternative route to restore connectivity along the Marigat-Loruk (B17) Road after rising water levels in Lake Baringo submerged approximately 200 metres of the highway.
The Authority, through Corridor Management D under Corridor Director Eng. George Amingh, has held a consultative engagement with residents of Loruk to discuss upgrading the diversion to bitumen standards.
The affected section is a vital link between Marigat, Loruk, Chemolingot, and Barpello. KeNHA says the 4.5km diversion is intended to provide a permanent, safe and reliable alternative as the lake continues to flood the main alignment.
During the engagement, affected residents and other stakeholders were given an opportunity to share their views and contribute to discussions on the proposed alignment. KeNHA said the forum reinforces its commitment to responsive infrastructure development and safe, reliable national trunk roads.
The development comes after KeNHA closed a section of the Marigat-Loruk (B17) Road between Km 29+800 and Km 40+000 in August 2025 due to flooding caused by the fast-rising water levels of Lake Baringo. ddf7
To ease movement, the Authority had initially graded a temporary diversion at Km 29+200 on the Marigat-Loruk Road, which intersects with the Loruk-Chemalingot route at Km 2+400.
Motorists have been cautioned against attempting to use the submerged section in the interest of their safety.
KeNHA says it is closely monitoring the situation and will advise on reopening once water levels recede, while the proposed 4.5km bitumen road is expected to guarantee long-term connectivity for communities in Baringo North and Tiaty.
