Unmarked highway claiming lives; take action now, Murkomen

A North Ways Shuttle matatu was involved in a tragic accident after it collided head-on with Classic Kings Bus at Twin Bridge along the Nakuru - Eldoret highway on January 9, 2024. 15 people died and several others were injured. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Nakuru-Eldoret highway is a vital lifeline connecting regions, fostering trade, and facilitating the movement of people. The recent efforts to upgrade the road, including the recarpeting around Timboroa, were welcomed with optimism. However, the failure to mark the newly laid road has turned this hopeful endeavour into a deadly gamble.

Climbing lanes, designed to ease the ascent of vehicles on steep gradients, have become treacherous zones due to the lack of visible markings. The beginning and end of these lanes, crucial for ensuring safe transitions between fast and slow-moving traffic, are now shrouded in obscurity. The consequences have been dire, with fatal accidents occurring as a direct result of the negligence to mark and signpost this critical part of the highway.