Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is introducing alternative materials for road furniture, such as non-metallic fibre and reinforced polymers to curb vandalism on the highways.
The new technology is part of the innovations made towards developing sustainable non-metallic solutions that reduce long-term corrosion costs.
Reinforced polymers exhibit increased strength or elasticity relative to the strength and elasticity. They are also preferred to ceramics and metals, because of their macromolecular nature.
Developers are also adapting the use of non-metallic reinforcements as they are durables. They comprise carbon and glass fibers which do not corrode.
Due to their low stiffness, these fibres are particularly effective in controlling micro-cracks by improving cement matrix properties, such as the ultimate strength and toughness of composites.
According to KURA, the vandalism of road infrastructure leads to economic sabotage and hampers thecountry's efforts to propel the country into a medium-income level in the next decade.
"Improvement of non-motorized transport, installation of street and traffic lights, guard rails, traffic signs and other amenities are vital components of modern road infrastructure.
"While all this is being done, it is sad to note that the culture of vandalism is threatening the enjoyment of these facilities,"KURA stated in a graphic video shared on Friday, November 11.
KURA noted that there was an increase in wanton vandalism of street lights, guard-rails, road signs on urban road network.
Over 30 street poles worth Kshs. 2.5 million were mowed down and scathed away by vandals in Nairobi City County. The authority attributed the crime to organized crime syndicate.
"We wish to condemn this unscrupulous and barbaric behavior which not only endangers the lives of road users but also renders the maintenance of roads expensive.
"Some of the roads most affected include Thika Super-Highway, Outer Ring-Road, Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road only to mention a few," KURA disclosed.
It also indicated that the government invests over Ksh300billion annually in the provision of road infrastructure.
It thus set aside a reward of Ksh100,000 for whistleblowers with reliable information leading to the arrest of the syndicates.
