Murkomen Announces Adoption of Climate-Resilient Infrastructure After Floods Destroy Roads & Bridges

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to adopt climate-resilient infrastructure following the recent destructions witnessed on roads and bridges.

Speaking during the 5th Engineering Partnership Convention 2024 at the Dedan Kimathi University on May 8, Murkomen underpinned the need to adopt policies that would ensure that key infrastructure stays intact during floods and other incidents.

He indicated that the Ministry would soon begin a nationwide assessment to establish the status of the roads.

As detailed by Murkomen, the exercise will be undertaken by the various road agencies including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

“You have seen the enhanced rains, floods and the destruction of infrastructure that ensued as the result of the floods. You have seen the destruction of bridges, and roads and we are suffering at a time when we are trying to manage our budget.

“We will be sitting down with the road agencies so that we can do a proper assessment of our infrastructure institutions so that we can do a proper assessment of the situation across the country,” he stated.

Further, the CS revealed that his ministry would also bring various professionals such as engineers to offer solutions and the strategies that they need to implement.

“We will call upon the institutions to give long-lasting solutions on how we can have climate-resilient infrastructure across the country,” the CS stated.

Floods have ravaged parts of the country in recent weeks with most bridges and roads destroyed in the process.

Owing to the destruction, motorists have reported transport in most parts of the country being paralysed.

Notably, climate-resilient infrastructure is a practice being adopted worldwide given the risks posed by climate change.

Among the climate mitigation measures that are widely practised include the construction of elevated road sections and deeper and wider road drains.

The construction of wider pipes and culverts is also among the policies adopted for road infrastructure in some countries.