An Eldoret resident has petitioned the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to urgently restrict long-distance truck trailers from passing through Eldoret town and instead compel them to use the Eldoret Southern Bypass.
In a letter addressed to KENHA, Albert Kimutai raised concerns over the rising levels of congestion and safety hazards caused by heavy-duty trucks navigating through Eldoret’s central business district (CBD) and adjacent residential areas. Kimutai cited a recent fatal accident involving a truck and a motorcycle, which claimed the life of a pillion passenger, as a tragic example of the ongoing risks associated with allowing trucks into the urban core.
“This accident is not an isolated case. It is one of many incidents involving large commercial vehicles attempting to maneuver through roads that are not built for such traffic,” Kimutai stated. “We need to act now to prevent further loss of life.”
According to Kimutai, the town’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with the increased vehicular pressure. He noted that the constant flow of heavy trucks on routes such as Uganda Road has led to mounting congestion, road deterioration, and significant environmental concerns. These include heightened noise and air pollution, particularly in residential zones and areas near schools.
He also emphasized the threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transport, who are forced to navigate alongside large trucks on narrow roads.
Kimutai urged KENHA to enforce the use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass, a multi-billion-shilling road project designed specifically to divert transit trucks away from the town centre and improve traffic flow. Despite its construction, he claimed, the bypass remains grossly underutilised by heavy commercial transport.
“The Eldoret Southern Bypass was created to address exactly these challenges. It is time we fully utilised this infrastructure to enhance safety and efficiency in the town,” he said.
The petition has sparked local conversations about urban planning and the enforcement of traffic regulations. Residents and stakeholders await KENHA’s response, with hopes that decisive action will be taken to safeguard Eldoret’s growing population and improve road safety for all.
