By Edward Lyomu | Mulembe Times | April 20, 2025
An Eldoret resident, Albert Kimutai, has formally petitioned the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to ban long-distance trucks from passing through Eldoret town, calling instead for mandatory use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass.
In his letter to KENHA, Kimutai highlighted the growing strain on Eldoret’s central business district and surrounding neighborhoods due to increasing vehicular traffic and human congestion. He noted that heavy-duty trucks using town roads continue to pose significant risks to public safety, especially in pedestrian zones.
“The recent accident involving a truck and a motorcycle that led to the death of a pillion passenger was tragic and avoidable,” Kimutai stated. “It is just one example of many such accidents involving large commercial trucks in Eldoret.”
Call to Reroute Trucks via Southern Bypass
Kimutai emphasized that the Eldoret Southern Bypass, a road constructed specifically to divert heavy commercial vehicles from the heart of town, remains largely underutilized. Instead, truck drivers continue to navigate through congested roads like Uganda Road, causing serious traffic jams, air pollution, and noise disturbances, especially in residential areas and near schools.
He further argued that the continued presence of long-distance trucks within town:
- Increases the risk of road accidents
- Accelerates wear and tear on urban roads
- Endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and boda boda operators
- Adds to the strain on infrastructure
Call to Action for KENHA
Kimutai urged KENHA to act swiftly and enforce strict restrictions that would reroute all long-distance trucks to use the bypass, a move he believes would restore road safety, traffic efficiency, and urban livability for Eldoret residents.
As Eldoret continues to grow into a regional commercial hub, pressure is mounting on authorities to take decisive action on the town’s urban transport planning and road safety protocols.
