KeNHA stops erecting footbridge on Thika Superhighway after public outcry

Following furious reactions by motorists, Kenya National Highways Authority(KeNHA) has issued a groveling apology blaming contractors for creating a traffic mess while erecting a footbridge at Weitethie section of the road.

“KeNHA takes this opportunity to apologise and stand with Kenyans who were this morning been inconvenienced by our contractors’ poor traffic management at Weitethie,” said KeNHA in a statement.

Thye statement further adds,”While KeNHA has always worked to provide  fast and safe motoring on our roads, we do acknowledge that traffic flow at Weitethie had this morning been interrupted.”

Motorists plying the Thika SuperHighway were stranded as KeNHA installed a footbridge at Weitethie Tuesday morning.

KeNHA had announced earlier the partial closure of the section of the road.

“KeNHA, in pursuant to Traffic Act Cap. 403 sec.71, wishes to notify the public that a section of Thika SuperHighway at Weitethie will be closed from Sunday, December 22 to Tuesday, December 24,” KeNHA said.

Road users, the majority of which were travelling to Central Kenya for the festive season were stuck due to the massive traffic snarl-up.

Netizens took to social media to express their frustrations.

09:21 because @KeNHAKenya know they failed to install the footbridges along Thika rd for 3 yrs, they've decided to do it today while traffic is heavy so that all can witness the installation. via @itsndege — Ma3Route (@Ma3Route) December 24, 2019

 

Thika road tuko busy leo ,For a whole year, the contractor mounting footbridge at Witeithie decided 24th Dec is the best day???.
Its usually mad traffic even without such disturbance @KeNHAKenya #KenyanTraffic @myroadtraffic pic.twitter.com/1t6giqHrpc via @EleganceNairobi — KenyanTraffic (@KenyanTraffic) December 24, 2019

 

09:29 @ThikaTowntoday @josphatngugi1 No need! There's traffic but it's moving. Passed there a few minutes ago and it didn't take hata 20 minutes to get out of the snarl up. via @Pressie254

— Ma3Route (@Ma3Route) December 24, 2019

09:23 0855hrs updateThika superhighway.We have engaged due to several calls and complains.The contractor was to close the road at night but says he experienced some breakdown.Thika bound section is now being opened to Traffic https://t.co/V8gPHXGEQV via @MaritimChepkemo — Ma3Route (@Ma3Route) December 24, 2019