A concerned Eldoret resident has petitioned the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to restrict long-distance truck trailers from passing through Eldoret town, urging the agency to enforce use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass to reduce congestion and enhance road safety.
In a formal letter addressed to KENHA, Albert Kimutai expressed alarm over the increasing number of heavy-duty trucks traversing the town’s central business district and residential areas, saying the trend has become a growing threat to public safety.
Citing a recent fatal accident involving a truck and a motorcycle that claimed the life of a passenger, Kimutai said the incident was “heartbreaking” and highlighted a broader issue of inappropriate use of urban roads by heavy commercial vehicles.
“These roads were never designed to accommodate the weight and scale of modern long-distance freight traffic,” he noted.
Kimutai added that apart from the loss of life, the presence of these trucks has exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly along Uganda Road, and contributed to rapid road surface deterioration. He also cited noise and air pollution, especially near schools and residential areas, as well as increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists.
He called on KENHA to enforce the use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass—a road built to alleviate such pressures—which he said remains grossly underutilised by freight transporters.
The petition comes amid growing public concern over road safety in urban centres and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of traffic and urban planning policies.
