Unmarked highway claiming lives; take action now, Murkomen

The absence of visible road markings is an open invitation to chaos and calamity. As vehicles navigate the twists and turns of the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, the unmarked climbing lanes pose an imminent threat. The risk of collisions, especially during overtaking manoeuvres, is significantly heightened when drivers are unable to discern the boundaries of these lanes. Lives are hanging in the balance, and the clock is ticking.

The tragedy in Block 3, where an accident claimed five lives, serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of this matter. The grief-stricken families left in the wake of these accidents are not statistics but human beings whose lives were irrevocably altered due to the lapses in road safety protocols. It is time to acknowledge the severity of the situation and take decisive action.

The solution is simple. The Nakuru-Eldoret highway, especially around Timboroa, must be promptly marked with clear and visible road signs. The climbing lanes need to be demarcated to guide motorists safely through these crucial segments. This is not an optional enhancement but a fundamental necessity to prevent further loss of lives.

The question that echoes through the corridors of responsibility is whether the lives lost on our highways are deemed acceptable collateral damage or if they are catalysts for change. The recent recarpeting efforts were undoubtedly aimed at enhancing the overall quality of the road. However, neglecting to mark and signpost the road renders the entire endeavour incomplete and perilous. Mr Murkomen, we implore you to use your and authority to hold KENHA accountable for this lapse.

Ms Mutai is a media and communication consultant