Motorists urged to observe traffic rules on Dongo Kundu bypass

The entire Dong Kundu bypass is said to be 96 percent complete and it is currently open to the public easing congestion at time wastage at the ferry channel. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) chairman Benjamin Tayari has urged motorists to observe traffic rules to avert accidents on the Dongo Kundu bypass in Mombasa.

Tayari cautioned motorists and cyclists against speeding and reckless driving on the 17.5 km road opened to the public last week.

The road with twin bridges at Mwache and Mteza creeks was built at a cost of about Sh30 billion to decongest the Likoni ferry channel and attract investment to the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The KPA chairman spoke at the Tsunza police station when he distributed reflector jackets and helmets to boda boda operators.

He said the safety gear that was distributed through the Tayari Foundation will help prevent accidents along the bypass.

A total of 135 boda boda operators received the helmets and reflectors.

Tayari who is former Kinango MP said the safety gear would benefit the boda boda operators and the passengers.

"Let the operators maintain a high standard of discipline and abide by traffic rules for their own safety along the highway. This safety gear is for the benefit of the boda boda operators and their passengers," he said.

He said it was common for motorists to drive without caution on new roads and urged them to observe the road safety signs put up by the Kenya National Highways Authority.

KeNHA deputy director Samwel Kumba said last week that the Mwache-Tsunza-Mteza section of the Dongo Kundu bypass was currently in its final stage of surface dressing, road marking, installation of guard rails and information road signs, and street lighting.

Kumba revealed that they are finalising a tolling policy that if approved in public participation would see motorists pay to use the road.