The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued fresh directives after public outcry on the bumps erected along the Southern bypass.
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times on Wednesday, October 4, KeNHA directed road users to exercise caution while driving along the road.
The authority alerted road users of ongoing construction work along the road which prompted the contractor to erect makeshift bumps made of quarry dust to safeguard the completed works.
In addition, the authority urged motorists to heed the road signs installed along the road warning them of chippings and ongoing works.
KeNHA said the maintenance includes surface dressing of the road, which is critical in sealing cracks that emerge as bitumen ages.
According to KeNHA, high speeds on freshly constructed road surfaces would lead to loss of chippings and thereby compromise the quality of the finished work.
As such, KeNHA advised motorists to heed the road signs installed along the road warning of ongoing works and fresh, loose chippings.
Additionally, KeNHA noted that attempts to apply brakes on a speeding vehicle on the new surface would lead to skidding.
They further implored motorists to observe the respective speed limits and desist from the urge to overspeed.
To ensure strict adherence to the limits, KeNHA stated that it has installed speed cameras along the road.
However, the authority expressed its regrets on the accidents reported along the Nairobi Southern Bypass with fatalities reported.
“The Authority wishes to convey sincere condolences to the bereaved families and promises to walk with them during this difficult period of mourning their beloved ones as we wish those injured quick recovery,” stated KeNHA.
“It is unfortunate that despite the signage, a number of motorists do not comply with the speed limits,” the authority added.
Also Read: Murkomen Responds to Public Outcry Over Southern Bypass
Mutua Southern Bypass Complaints
In a post on Wednesday, October 4 morning, an X user named Mutindi Mutua questioned the process used to erect the bumps and their implications to the safety of road users.
In the post, Mutua warned individuals using the Southern bypass to be aware since three fatal accidents were witnessed on Tuesday, October 3.
Additionally, she mentioned that at 5:45pm on Tuesday, October 3, an Indian doctor rolled and died.
Also Read: Millionaires of Eldoret: Ruto and 4 Tycoons from Uasin Gishu
“Another accident was in the night and this morning at 6:30 someone veered off and crashed into a pedestrian and hit the NHC wall bumps on both sides,” Mutua wrote.
Moreover, former NTV reporter Mark Masai also questioned the motive behind the Southern bypass bumps.
Taking to his X account, Masai urged people using the Southern bypass to be careful, adding that someone close to him was almost involved in an accident along the road.
While replying to these concerns, Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen said he will visit the Southern bypass and give a response.
