Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has visited the Southern Bypass after reports emerged of several accidents.
According to reports, the accidents were caused by unmarked bumps erected on the road to control speeding vehicles.
“I am on site I will revert,” Murkomen stated, responding to the reports by a social media user.
At least three accidents are reported to have happened between Tuesday 5:00 pm and Wednesday 6:30 am, all leading to fatalities.
KeNHA statement on Southern Bypass
In a statement on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed the accidents along the road.
“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,” KeNHA Deputy Director for Corporate Communications Samwel Kumba said.
KeNHA said that there are ongoing maintenance works along the Southern Bypass including surface dressing of the road, cautioning motorists to observe speed limits and road signage.
“Motorists are advised to heed to the signage installed along the road warning of ongoing works and fresh, loose chippings. It is unfortunate that despite the signage, a number of motorists do not comply with the speed limits. To, further, slow down such motorists, the contractor has installed temporary bumps made of quarry dust to safeguard the completed works,” Kumba said.
“High speeds, through fresh sections of chippings, would lead to loss of chippings thereby compromising the quality of the finished section. Besides, any attempt to brake a vehicle at high speeds would lead to skidding.”
Kumba revealed that a speed camera has been installed along the road to monitor traffic.
