Transport along the busy London-Kabarak road in Nakuru County came to a halt on Wednesday morning.
A massive sinkhole opened up just after a night of heavy rainfall.
The sudden appearance of the cavity shocked motorists and residents in the area.
Local authorities quickly barricaded the road to prevent accidents.
Motorists were forced to seek alternative routes as traffic marshals redirected vehicles.
Eyewitnesses recorded videos showing water gushing into the sinkhole, which formed near the road connecting to the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
The dramatic footage circulated widely on social media.
Curious residents gathered around the scene despite warnings from officials.
Some onlookers attempted to get close, prompting police to intervene for their safety.
Experts say Nakuru is prone to such events due to its location on the Great Rift Valley.
Geologists explain that the region’s soil is loosely packed, making it unstable during heavy rains.
Water runoff can erode the soft ash and sand beneath, leading to sudden collapses.
The heavy downpour over the past few days may have accelerated the ground failure.
Residents report that similar sinkholes have appeared in other parts of Nakuru, including the Eveready area.
Scientists warn that the county’s sandy soil does not retain water, worsening the risk of sinkholes.
In some cases, long trenches form and trigger landslides.
Local leaders say this is not the first time the area has witnessed such disasters.
Last September, a man lost his life after falling into a sinkhole near the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
He was reportedly swept away by floodwaters after slipping into the cavity.
After that incident, authorities urged residents in high-risk zones to relocate.
Calls have intensified for the government to construct proper drainage systems in the area.
The latest incident has renewed fear among Nakuru residents living along vulnerable roadways.
County officials are working with geologists to assess the situation and recommend lasting solutions.
For now, the affected stretch remains closed as engineers evaluate the damage.
Officials have assured the public that repair work will begin immediately once it is deemed safe.
By Newshub