Motorists Implored To Exercise Caution To Avert Increased Road Carnage

Following an increase in the number of accidents on the ongoing 26KM Kenol-Marua dual carriage, motorists and other road users have been urged to exercise caution as the road is still undergoing construction.

Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Waithera (Wamaua) has observed that while the road is still under construction the unfortunate cases of accidents are as a result of over speeding and lawlessness that needs to end so as not to lose more lives.

“The road has now become a highway with several lanes and the contractor is still on site marking and finishing on the road furniture like, signs showing available service lanes, roundabouts, road turns, among others and thus drivers should be careful and mind the pedestrians and other road users” she cautioned.

The MP further urged cyclists and other road users to be careful when using that road to ensure safety for all users.

At the same time, Murang’a South Deputy County Commissioner Gitonga Murungi underscored the need for motorists to follow traffic rules so as to avert the accidents even as the administration continues to sensitize the public on the Kenol – Sagana -Marua highway on road safety.

“We have many drivers who are unnecessarily over speeding on that road and it is imperative that they drive within the recommended speed limits” he said.

The DCC confirmed that there initially was a challenge with the road not being properly marked but as it is now the contractor and the other relevant authorities are continuously being engaged to ensure the road it is probably marked

“Currently we have rumble strips especially where there are pedestrian crossings and gentle bumps have already been erected on the road” he added.

“We have also spoken to the traffic department to erect some blocks at some sections of the highway to control the speeding of vehicles ferrying miraa that are known to be driven at high speeds”

On Friday, three young men from Kambirwa heading to Makutano died on the spot after the motorcycle they were riding on was hit by a motor vehicle at Gwa Thamaki area on the Kenol – Sagana highway.

Preliminary investigations into the accident according to the Maragua Sub County Police Commander Jane Nyakeruma revealed that the rider of the motorcycle was overtaking a motor vehicle and in the process the accident happened. The bodies of the three, she said, were taken to Murang’a level five hospital Mortuary.

They spoke on Friday during a relief food exercise at Maragua Ridges’ Kigoro area, Murang’a South.

Source: Kenya News Agency