Uproar Over Transformer in the Middle of Nairobi Expressway, KeNHA Responds

A collage image of a transformer located between the Nairobi Expressway and Mombasa Road.
A collage image of a transformer located between the Nairobi Expressway and Mombasa Road.
Saddique Shaban

Motorists have expressed concerns over a power transformer located in between the Nairobi Expressway and the main Mombasa Road.

Kenyans took to social media on Thursday, May 12 to lament over the power station which is part of the fenced Expressway section. Online users stated that the transformer was a safety hazard as motorists are forced to maneuver a part of it that protrudes on Mombasa Road.

Some questioned why Moja Expressway, the company managing the 27-kilometer road, had not put up a warning sign to caution oncoming traffic of the transformer.

Consequently, The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a response stating that the transformer will be relocated to a reserve land.

Workers placing warning tapes around the power station on Nairobi Expressway along Mombasa Road on May 12.
Workers placing warning tapes around the power station on Nairobi Expressway along Mombasa Road on May 12, 2022.
Kimemia Kennedy

"The power station is right on Mombasa Road. It is just a matter of time before it makes headlines. Actionable criminal negligence," Saddique Shaban stated.

"Your concerns have been noted and actioned. The transformer will be secured within the Expressway Road reserve," KeNHA responded.

Additionally, the road agency stated that it was working to restore parts of Mombasa Road that were destroyed during the construction of the 27-kilometer road.

However, some urged the road agency to remove the power station completely to safeguard the lives of motorists in case of an accident.

Previously, KeNHA together with Moja Expressway, have been forced to intervene as Kenyans raised concerns about design flaws that have particularly affected motorists using the roads before the elevated sections of the Expressway.

Some of the design flaws include poor drainage, flyover near the Syokimau area which ends in the middle of Mombasa Road, and pavements blocking walk paths.

Others include reduced lanes on Mombasa Road and dead flowers on the columns among others.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to launch the trial on his legacy project on Saturday with close to 10,000 motorists expected to use the 27-kilometer road.

The Nairobi West entry to Expressway (left) and a pillar constructed on a pedestrian's pavement.
The Nairobi West entry to Expressway (left) and a pillar constructed on a pedestrian's pavement.
File
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