The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) has erected road bumps at a notorious black spot along the Namanga Highway in the Korompoi area following a spate of fatal accidents.
The one-kilometre steep stretch from East African University to Korompoi Bridge has claimed at least 13 lives in just one month.
On August 9, eight passengers were killed after a 14-seater public service vehicle (PSV) collided head-on with a lorry. Seven people died on the spot, while the matatu driver succumbed to his injuries a few hours later in the hospital.
A week earlier, a woman and her daughter were run over by a speeding lorry while crossing the road, sparking protests from residents who torched the vehicle.
According to police, 13 people have died and dozens of others sustained injuries on the treacherous stretch, with the narrow Korompoi Bridge long regarded by locals as a “death trap” for the rapidly growing shopping centre.
Residents and motorists have repeatedly blamed KeNHA for failing to install bumps despite years of complaints.
“We have lost too many people in road accidents. Transit trailers and buses are as much to blame as PSVs and private vehicles. Our hearts are weary,” said resident James Kiroken.
In response, Kenha has now erected several marked bumps and rumble strips along the section, with signage warning motorists. Residents say accidents have reduced since the bumps were installed but are demanding more at the far end of the stretch.
A Daily Nation spot check on Saturday, however, revealed reckless motorists still overlapping and overtaking dangerously along the stretch.
“We are not yet safe if drivers continue with such behaviour. How can someone overtake near a bump when there’s an oncoming vehicle?” wondered truck driver Suleiman Dena.
Isinya Sub-County Police Commander Simon Lokitari urged motorists to exercise caution warning that road safety ultimately lies with drivers.
“The erected bumps can only slow vehicles and caution motorists. It’s every driver’s responsibility to use the road responsibly if we are to end this carnage,” said Mr Lokitari.
