Murkomen Deploys Police Officers To Southern Bypass

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has deployed police officers to the Southern Bypass in Nairobi in a bid to prevent motorists from speeding beyond the stipulated speed limits and causing accidents.

The CS stated on Wednesday, October 4 following his impromptu visit to the highway to assess the newly-erected speed bumps on the stretch following routine maintenance by a contractor.

The police, he added, will be stationed near the construction sites to prevent motorists from speeding beyond the stipulated 50KPH limit.

Photo of an accident scene along Southern Bypass on October 4, 2023. /MARK MASAI.X

"To prevent accidents and protect lives, the contractor has placed road signage and installed temporary bumps made of quarry dust in the freshly repaired areas.

"The installation of these bumps and reduction of speed to 50KPH as indicated in the signage and as required in areas under construction will help to preserve the quality of the road and ensure the safety of road users," he stated.

CS Murkomen further noted that the ongoing repairs have been slowed down by the huge traffic volumes on the road, which the contractor has to contend with, against the strict timelines set for the completion of the maintenance works.

As a ministry, he revealed that he has discussed with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the contractor to continue implementing further measures to enhance safety and prevent road crashes as they expedite construction works.

"I request all motorists to adhere to road signage and the set speed limit while approaching these sections.

"Further, I have directed KeNHA to issue a Public Notice to all motorists clearly identifying the sections under maintenance and the stipulated speed limit applicable to these sections," he added.

As he promised Kenyans earlier this year, Murkomen revealed that his Ministry was progressing well with the installation of speed cameras on Kenyan highways.

"We have rolled out the pilot phase of this project and cameras have been installed in major highways including the Southern bypass," he stated, expressing confidence that the implementation of these measures would aid in improving road safety and protect lives.

He offered his condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in accidents that occurred along the stretch.

Murkomen responded to the uproar from a section of motorists who decried the presence of dangerous bumps erected along the 29.6-kilometre road that connects the junction of the Nairobi-Mombasa Road and Likoni Road and the Nairobi-Malaba Road.

Preliminary reports, which are yet to be confirmed indicate that three people died in the accidents.