THE NAIROBI SUPERHIGHWAY OF DEATH

It was intended for the sole purpose of civilizing the movement of goods and persons in and out of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, as well as easing traffic on East and Central Africa’s busiest highway. But the virtually completed Nairobi – Thika superhighway is now seemingly an expressway of death, if chilling statistics released in recent times are anything to go by.  

The ultra modern Nairobi-Thika superhighway

  

Thika road is an ultra modern twelve lane superhighway and a first of its kind in the region. Its construction came as a big relief to motorists in the city, who previously had to contend with dreadful traffic snarl-ups for the longest time. As the eagerly awaited multibillion shilling project nears completion however, it is reprehensibly emerging that the most horrible road carnage nightmares yet, have just begun.

the traffic nightmare that was characteristic of the highway before its expansion

Alarming police reports reveal that the superhighway claims about two people every 24 hours, while another ten are left nursing serious injuries, this resulting from fatal accidents. Further, an estimated 70 people are reported to have lost their lives on the highway between the 1^st of January and the end of April this year, this figure not inclusive of those who succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment.

The soaring figures of road carnage cases on the highway have largely been blamed on irresponsible road use. Reckless drivers are said to be over speeding on the highway, owing to its excellent condition and smooth flow of traffic. This jeopardizes their lives, those of their passengers, as well as the lives of the pedestrians and cyclists using the road. 

a section of the virtually complete superhighway

Pedestrians have also received their fair share of blame for bending road use rules, by crossing the road from non designated points rather than at the zebra crossings. Despite the fact that footbridges are currently under construction, it remains to be seen if citizens will take precaution by using them, or if they’ll opt to sprint across the highway, disregarding the hazard that looms.

Absence of sufficient road signs on the road has been raised as a matter of great concern and one that contributes to the rising number of road accidents reported. The authorities concerned are in the process of putting in final touches to the road, which will see it attain the required standards. 

The heart rending tales of horrid road accidents on this highway paint a grim depiction of a threatening crisis, which needs somber addressing as soon as yesterday. The government should seek to strongly and effectively see to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, to avert further loss of lives. On their part, every citizen should make sure they follow to the letter all rules and regulations stipulated. 

Motorists should drive within the set speed limit of 80 km/hr and carefully observe the road signs. Pedestrians should cross the road only from designated areas, and where existing, use footbridges.

Road carnage is an avoidable eventuality which can only be eradicated through a collective effort from all citizens. PLAY YOUR PART TODAY BY OBEYING THE TRAFFIC RULES!!!