Makueni County Deputy Governor Lucy Milili has appealed to the national government to expand the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway to reduce congestion and prevent frequent accidents. The appeal comes after a recent accident at Mlima Kiu, a notorious traffic blackspot, claimed 17 lives. Milili expressed concern over the high number of accidents on the highway, which have resulted in significant loss of life and left families in pain.
The 461-kilometre Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has been plagued by accidents, particularly at a 5-kilometre steep, downhill section from Mlima Kiu. This section has been a major concern due to frequent collisions involving heavy commercial trucks and passenger service vehicles. Milili's call for expansion aims to ease congestion and minimize accidents on this critical highway.
The recent accident at Mlima Kiu involved multiple vehicles and resulted in 17 fatalities. Six people who sustained injuries were discharged from Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital, while a trailer driver with serious head injuries was transferred to Makueni County Referral Hospital. The incident has highlighted the need for urgent measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Makueni County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi has promised to engage relevant authorities, including KeNHA, to assess blackspots along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway in Makueni County. The assessment aims to identify areas that require remedial measures to prevent further loss of life. Abdullahi also urged motorists to exercise caution while driving and avoid drunkenness or speeding.
Abdullahi emphasized the importance of observing traffic laws and rules to ensure road safety. He warned drivers against speeding and overtaking vehicles at bends, hills, and junctions, saying such practices endanger the lives of pedestrians and travellers. The commissioner's remarks underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to address road safety concerns.
The proposed expansion of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway to a dual carriageway is expected to significantly reduce congestion and minimize accidents. Milili's appeal has garnered attention from stakeholders, who recognize the need for urgent action to address the safety concerns on this critical highway. The expansion project, if implemented, will enhance road safety and reduce travel times.
The Makueni County administration has pledged to work closely with national authorities to address road safety concerns. The collaboration aims to identify and address blackspots, improve road infrastructure, and promote road safety awareness among motorists. By working together, the authorities hope to reduce accidents and save lives on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
Key points
- Makueni County Deputy Governor Lucy Milili has called for the expansion of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway to minimize accidents and ease congestion.
- The recent accident at Mlima Kiu claimed 17 lives and highlighted the need for urgent measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
- The proposed expansion of the highway to a dual carriageway is expected to significantly reduce congestion and minimize accidents.
