After a matatu rammed into the expressway toll station at Mlolongo injuring so many people and another bus overturning ,the government has issued a statement restricting the public vehicles from using the expressway
According to the cabinet secretary for transport, James Macharia, the expressway was opened for public transport by his excellency the president for trial basis.
He continued to say that the Kenya national highways authority was supposed to use the trial period for improvement and enhancing of safety for all users of the Nairobi expressway.
Although many users of the expressway have aired out their satisfaction,there has been gradual increase in incidents of accidents and injuring have been reported recently. Isolated safety and road crashes have also been witnessed on the expressway
The CS therefore laid out the following measures:
1.Installation of rumble strips to warn drivers to slow down as they approach the toll gates
2.Enforcement of Speed limits. The maximum speed in kenyan roads is supposed to be 110km/h. All motorists are required to adhere to the stipulated speed limits. Cameras will be installed to enhance the enforcement of speed limits in conjuction with traffic police who will be stationed at various locations along the expressway
3.Temporary restriction from using the expressway. Since the expressway was openned to the public , a number of traffic accidents have occurred in the expressway. This has necessitated investigations that will help find the cause of the accidents.
The statement wrote,” The ministry of transport has, therefore taken the decision to temporarily restrict commercial passenger vehicles with a capacity of more than seven passengers from using the Nairobi Expressway, as we investigate the cause pf these accidents and develop appropriate safety measures. Every life matters and the Government is keen to avoid unnecessary injuries and loss of lives. This restriction takes effect immediately