NAIROBI, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese firm operating the Nairobi Expressway opened the toll road free of charge on Friday evening to help stranded motorists and commuters reach their destinations after heavy rains caused severe traffic gridlock in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.
The downpour, which began around 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) and intensified into the night, overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded major highways, and left dozens of vehicles submerged. Thousands of commuters were stranded as the city ground to a near standstill.
In response, Moja Expressway allowed motorists to use the road at no cost.
"In light of the current flooding situation, and with public safety as our highest priority, the Nairobi Expressway will be free of charge until 6:00 a.m. (0300 GMT) on March 7," the company said in a statement. "We urge all motorists to drive with caution, follow traffic guidance, and remain alert to changing road conditions at all times."
Hundreds of drivers benefited from the move, praising the gesture for enabling them to reach home safely.
"If it were not for the opening of the expressway to all motorists, I would not have reached home. I am grateful to the firm for that gesture because the lower road was completely impassable," said George Muriuki, a motorist from Syokimau south of Nairobi, who had been stuck in traffic for more than four hours.
The 27-km Nairobi Expressway, completed in 2022, is among several major roads built by Chinese companies in Kenya, including the Northern, Eastern, and Southern bypasses. The expressway has reduced travel time between the south and west of Nairobi from nearly two hours during peak hours to about 20 minutes.
Kenya's Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains will continue across most parts of the country during the long rainy season. The Kenya Police Service said 23 people have died in the flooding and urged the public to remain cautious. ■