Motorists and pedestrians using the Kangundo-Wote-Nairobi-Mbolu Molu junction have every reason to smile after the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) reactivated traffic lights at the busy intersection.
The lights which were installed last year by the 3D company had remained out of operation since then leading to protests by motorists using the road which also serves as the main entry route into the Machakos CBD.
However, many motorists were caught off guard yesterday morning after they found the lights operating forcing them to wait in queues until they got the green light.
Previously, the road had a roundabout that controlled traffic until it was pulled down by the Chinese Wu Yi Company in 2018 to pave way for road expansion works.
Dominic Mutinda, a boda boda rider who plies his trade within Machakos lauded Kenha for the erection of the lights which he said came as a permanent solution to the many accidents that had become synonymous at the spot.
He singled boda boda riders as those who bore the brunt of the confusion leading to frequent accidents.
“We have had many accidents here with some of our colleagues losing their limbs and others succumbing to their injuries. We are therefore grateful to the government for this new development which we feel has come at the right time when it was needed most,” he pointed out.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Joseph Kithongo a taxi driver who operates within Machakos town and its environs.
Kithongo said activation of the lights will not only address the challenge of controlling traffic by Police officers especially during rush hours but will equally save time for both motorists and passengers when going about their businesses.
“This place had been reduced to a theatre of the absurd for both motorists and pedestrians especially during rush hours with everyone trying to outmaneuver the other, giving police officers a hectic time in controlling the chaos. However, we are now relieved with the lights as they have brought normalcy,’’ he said.
A passenger, David Nzioki however said traffic law enforcers need to undertake some basic training to road users from the area as a majority of them seemed unable to interpret what different lights signified.
by Mutuku Boniface/ Damaris Mwendwa
