The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has finally yielded to widespread public pressure, announcing plans to construct footbridges along the busy Ngong Road–Karen stretch.
The decision follows an online campaign by frustrated citizens who have consistently questioned the omission of the vital safety structures during the road's recent expansion.
According to the concerned netizens, road development is good, but road safety is better, hence the need for the footbridge. The pedestrians had revealed that navigating the road without the footbridge was posing a danger to them.
"Where are footbridges along Ngong Road to Karen? The first thing you should construct before building any road should be footbridges," one concerned Kenyan had shared on a post by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
KeNHA, however, clarified that the road under question was under KURA's jurisdiction, and it was them who could answer to the issue better.
''Thank you for reaching out to KeNHA. The Authority seeks to clarify that the aforementioned road section is under the purview of KURA. Kindly reach out to them for any further assistance,'' KeNHA responded and tagged KURA.
In a swift response to the post, KURA assured the concerned residents that, to ensure safety, the footbridges would be constructed. They, however, did not issue the timelines of the construction.
''Plans are currently underway to install footbridges as part of efforts to enhance pedestrian safety along the section,'' KURA said.
Ngong Road is one of Nairobi’s busiest corridors and has long posed a hazard to pedestrians, especially school children, and residents crossing to access matatus, shops, and schools.
Despite its dual carriage expansion and modernization, no safe pedestrian crossings or footbridges were included in the initial design, forcing thousands of road users to dash across fast-moving traffic every day.
KURA also issued updates on the new Limuru Road Pedestrian crossings, which are in place, with continuous NMT paths except in constrained areas.
Motorists using the road were informed that lights and furniture will be installed soon while barriers and retaining walls will be placed where necessary.
