A Kenyan man, Albert Kimutai, has penned a petition to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) seeking to restrict long-distance trucks from passing through Eldoret City.
Dated April 19, the petition cited the rampant road calamities on the route caused by the trucks and advised that the vehicles be redirected at the Eldoret Southern Bypass, which has three overpass interlinks at Ngeria, Kapseret and Leseru.
"I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and stakeholder in the safety and well-being of Eldoret residents and road users," the letter started.
"I wish to formally petition your esteemed office to urgently consider restricting long-distance truck trailers from passing through Eldoret Town and instead mandating their use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass."
Kimutai highlighted that Eldoret city had, in the recent past, grown congested due to its growing population and also vehicular traffic, making it a hotspot for disaster, especially in residential areas.
On April 18, Kimutai noted that a truck ploughed into a motorcycle, resulting in one of the pillion passengers succumbing.
He cited several other reasons for his petition, including increased traffic congestion along Uganda Road and other main routes and road infrastructure strain and faster deterioration.
Air and noise pollution in residential and school zones and heightened danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and public service vehicles were other reasons he believed the diversion of the long-distance trucks was necessary.
"The Eldoret Southern Bypass, which was constructed to ease such risks and improve traffic flow, remains underutilised by heavy commercial transport," he insisted.
"Directing long-distance trucks to use this bypass would significantly reduce congestion, minimise tragedies, and enhance the overall quality of life in Eldoret."
Apart from enforcing mandatory use of the Eldoret Southern Bypass by all long-distance truck trailers, Kimutai also urged KeNHA to erect appropriate road signage and establish enforcement mechanisms through collaboration with traffic police and county authorities.
He also called for the authority to conduct awareness campaigns for truck drivers and logistics companies on the new routing regulations.
"Your swift action on this matter will be a major step towards preventing further loss of life and ensuring safer roads for all Eldoret residents," his petition concluded.
