The Kenya Universities Students Organisation (KUSO) has piled pressure on Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to erect bumps along the busy Uhuru Highway following the recent accidents involving University of Nairobi (UoN) students.
In a letter drafted by KUSO president Antony Manyara, the students pointed out that three colleagues were hit by motorists along the highway in the past week.
Manyara attributed the rise in accidents to the poor state of a safe tunnel that links the UoN hostels and lecture halls. He added that the tunnel was wrecked by floods last year, leading the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to embark on repairs.
He, however, noted that the repairs have since stalled and blamed KeNHA for not providing an alternative route hence forcing the students to risk crossing the highway.
"Consequently, comrades have been left with no option but to cross the dangerous highway like chickens, looking behind their shoulders with fear for their lives owing to the recklessness of the motorcyclists and motorists who drive recklessly with no care in the world," Manyara argued.
"How sad! To make matters worse, the purported repair work has dragged beyond disappointing levels, risking their lives."
Additionally, Manyara added that the poor state of the tunnel was compounded by increased cases of muggings and violence.
The KUSO president called on the CS to expeditiously order speed bumps to be erected on the busy highway as well as a zebra crossing to facilitate the safety of the students.
Nonetheless, a spot check indicates that there are two zebra crossing areas along the highway, at the Kenyatta Avenue and University Way intersections.
He also urged the CS to convene a meeting to draw a middle ground over the issue and chart a way forward.
Murkomen was also requested to settle the medical bills of the students affected.
"It is my belief and that of many students, that you will, as a sign of utmost good faith, favourably consider and effect these requests," the KUSO president explained.
On Thursday, February 15, UoN students were up in arms over the rising cases of accidents. They appealed to KeNHA to complete the repair of the tunnel that had dragged beyond its expected timelines.
Police officers were, however, dispatched to the school and swiftly restored order.
