The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Wednesday, February 15, issued a statement regarding the rampant cases of vandalism on sections of the Outer Ring Road and other roads.
KURA noted that repair works aimed at replacing vandalised lights on the road were underway and that it had employed new measures to deter vandalism.
The agency was responding to increased concerns from a section of Kenyans who decried the rate of destruction of some parts of the highway.
“Please note, electrical works are ongoing along Outer Ring road. This is after all the lights initially installed were vandalised," read a statement from KURA in part.
In a subsequent statement, KURA urged members of the public to volunteer information on any case of vandalism to help avert safety threats posed by poor roads.
The authority emphasised that vandalism cases including the damage of traffic signs, graffiti tags, and breaking of streetlights compromised the safety of motorists and users in general.
While highlighting the effects of vandalism, KURA admitted that the Government was facing the challenge of having to pay for the costly repairs and replacement of vandalised infrastructure, hence acting as a stumbling block to development.
“This not only wreaks havoc on the aesthetics and function of our roads, but it can also put us in danger.
"Allowing vandalism on our roads leads to a decrease in the quality of our infrastructure and a corresponding rise in expenses," the statement added
The authority asked members of the public to help in ending the growing menace by creating awareness and reporting any case of vandalism of urban roads to the concerned authorities.
Cases of missing handrails and safety rails went viral online with social media users urging the government to act on the culprits. KURA also confirmed cases where street lights along major roads were vandalised in what was suspected to be a shady business involving the sale of scrap metal and electrical appliances.
Among the affected areas include the busy Kariobangi roundabout, popularly known as "Rounda" where handrails on the overpass were missing- exposing pedestrians to the risk of falling off.
