Why Nairobi-Nakuru stretch is costing lives

Limuru Mp John Kragu Chege supervises KENHA as they erect bumps at Rironi area along Nakuru Nairobi highway following a string of accident that have claimed numerous lives. [George Njunge, Standard] Concerns have been raised about the poor state of a stretch along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway after the contractor abandoned the site. Road users and those living close to the section between James Gichuru Road and Kamandura area in Limuru complain the stretch is now prone to accidents. The contractor left without completing the section, which is now a source of misery for the public due to frequent road accidents attributed to a lack of Zebra crossings, footbridges, signage, proper road bumps and rubble strips. The underpasses are in a mess. Limuru MP John Chege who appealed to the State to put in place remedial measures to prevent accidents, claimed the contractor abandoned works over non-payment. The risky spots are at Chunga Mali in Limuru and Kinoo where pedestrians crossing the highway are forced to dart through speeding vehicles. At Chunga Mali, five people have lost their lives including a school girl, forcing Kenya Nation Highways Authority (KeNHA) to erect temporary bumps. Peter Karanja, a resident of Rironi said hardly a week passes without a reported death at Chunga Mali area. Karanja told The Standard that there is an underpass at the notorious black spot but people hardly use it, especially at night due to insecurity. "The underpass is right down here but no one can attempt to use it as it is dark and incomplete. During this rainy season, it is even worse as water swamps there. Danger lurks at night since criminals hide in the underpass," said Karanja. Susan Njeri a resident from Rironi said they appreciate the action taken by KeNHA, which according to her, is a temporary measure. Six students die in Naivasha road accident "I have a small stall across the highway. I buy the greens at Limuru or Kimende markets and bring them here and I must cross the road. We dare death daily. This busy highway has four lanes that pedestrians have to cross against speeding cars," she said while expressing her frustrations over the incomplete stretch. Between Kinoo and Stage 87, numerous bumps and rubble strips had to be put up to save lives in the densely populated area. A spot check at Stage 87 revealed the sorry state of affairs. Pedestrians risk their lives by crossing before jumping over or manoeuvring through the barrier. Mary Wangui, a resident of Kinoo said the spaces between the barrier are the only available openings for pedestrians to use since there are no footbridges or Zebra crossings. "The spaces were left for lighting poles not for crossing the road. We compete with motorists and motorcyclists here. Any slight misjudgment or lack of concentration can be fatal," said Wangui.

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Why Nairobi-Nakuru stretch is costing lives

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