KeNHA to audit 6 major highways to reduce road carnage

This was revealed in a tender proposal seeking consultancy services for the audit. 

The six roads listed for inspection include Gilgil - Nyahururu - Rumuruti - Maralal Road (220 Km), Eldoret - Iten-Kabarnet-Marigat Road (133 Km), Muhoroni-Fort Tenan-Londiani Road (63 Km), Sori-Ndhiwa-Rangwe-Oyugis Road (79 Km). 

Others are the Kenol-Murang'a-Sagana-Kagio-Kianjiru Road (65 Km) and Makutano-Machakos-Masii-Kyua-Syongila Road (109 Km). 

The audit will involve collecting and analysing traffic crash data from traffic police for the six highways over the past five years. 

The data will be used to determine the blackspots, frequency of crashes, injuries and fatalities categorised by road user type. 

"Based on this comprehensive analysis, provide actionable safety recommendations aimed at mitigating the identified risks and improving the overall road safety," the tender read in part, 

The information will also be used to redesign the roads to suitable standards. 

KeNHA's plan comes amid the surge in road accidents over the years that has caused adverse economic and social consequences on a household. 

The latest data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) shows that 4,748 people died last year as a result of road accidents. This represented an increase of 424 deaths from 2023. 

To reduce the fatalities, the Transport Ministry recently launched the 2024–2028 Road Safety Action Plan that will be implemented across all counties.

Part of the strategies included in the Plan are improving pedestrian walkways, clear markings and adequate signage.