Residents of Kinoo, Uthiru and Regen in Kiambu have said they will erect speed bumps to reduce accidents along the newly constructed James Gichuru-Rironi highway.
Residents allege that they requested the Kenya National Highway Authority to erect bumps and footbridges on the section of the road, but this has not been done.
“We had written a request to KeNHA to instal bumps or rumble strips or footbridges when construction started. Now, we shall build ours. We shall do it at anytime,” resident Michael Muturi said.
“The main objective is to lower the speed of these vehicles. In some sections, the contractor has recommended speed of 40km/h, but some drivers are doing over 80km/h,” he added.
When called for comment, KeNHA corporate communications officer Clara Ouko said she was in a meeting and would call back later. She had also not responded to a text message by press time.
Residents say vehicles usually speed on that section of the road, risking pedestrians' lives.
Kinoo resident Samuel Murira said they have lost more than 30 people since January of this year.
“We have witnessed so many accidents. We have lost over 30 people between Regen, Kinoo and Uthiru where pedestrians are knocked down by speeding vehicles,” he said.
Speaking on Wednesday, Murira said many victims have been maimed, while others were left with serious injuries.
Murira said the people most affected are the elderly, people living with disability and primary school pupils.
Residents said they came up with a group known as Uthiru Rescue Team to assist pedestrians who have difficulties crossing the highway.
On Tuesday, church leaders led residents in prayers for an hour along the section of the road, and in the process slowed the speed of vehicles.
Anti-riot police were called in to disperse the residents, only to find they were praying. The police allowed residents to leave by themselves.
The section lies along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, which has been undergoing expansion by the China Wu Yi Company.
But an official from the contractor’s office said the road is not complete, promising to discuss the challenges raised by residents.
Edited by A.N
