The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has issued a warning to motorists using the Eastern Bypass, which is currently under construction.
KURA stated in a statement dated Tuesday, August 23, that drivers using the Eastern Bypass were not following traffic laws.
According to KURA, motorists have been driving on the wrong side of the road, resulting in an increase in the number of accidents on the busy road connecting Mombasa Road to the Thika Superhighway.
“Our attention has been drawn to motorists using the Eastern Bypass. Please note that the road is still under construction and we urge motorists to obey the traffic rules and desist from driving on the wrong side.
“We have provided U-turns and road signages to guide motorists as they drive along the entire road corridor. The majority of accidents that have happened along the bypass are due to motorists who are driving on the wrong side instead of using the provided U-turns,” the KURA statement read in part.
To curb these accidents, KURA has deployed traffic marshalls to deal with drivers caught breaking traffic rules.
“Please note that our enforcement team is on the ground to deal with anyone who violates the traffic rules.
“Once complete the road will have street lights, Road marking, and footbridges. We urge your cooperation as we endeavour to provide Enhanced Urban Mobility,” the statement continued.
In order to alleviate traffic congestion, the government has been expanding the Eastern Bypass. KURA stated that once completed, motorists would take less than 40 minutes to drive from Thika Road to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via Utawala (JKIA).
The Eastern Bypass dualling project began in November 2021 and was expected to last 12 months.
The Eastern Bypass is one of the Vision 2030 infrastructure projects designed during the Grand Coalition government’s tenure.
Its expansion was one of 11 infrastructure projects showcased to global investors by the government during the two-day Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, in May 2017.
