The Ngata stretch along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway has claimed many lives in the recent past, with the last being of a seven-year-old boy whose life was cut short when a trailer which was heading to Nakuru developed mechanical problems before it collided with a 14-seater matatu he was in.

Many of the accidents that occur in this area usually read from this same script, a vehicle from one end loses control and collides into oncoming traffic.

Even before this recent accident there have been numerous cries from residents of the surrounding area and motorists at large for the government to intervene and come up with measures to help curb accidents in this area, that is now known infamously as a blackspot.

Read: Ngata residents blame government for inaction on notorious black spot

This prompted the Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, to issue a directive to put up signage in the area and in addition to this the construction of another lane.

The prayers of the residents of Ngata seemed to have been answered after the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) started the construction of a concrete barrier that is four kilometres, this barrier will be on the stretch of the Ngata area along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway to curb accidents.

The barrier will cover the stretch from Ngata Gate to Ngata Road over the rail bridge.

These plans were evident from the sight of a surveyor who was doing the topographical survey to establish how the ground is before the construction which will take one year to kick off.

Also Read: My Hood: Posh Ngata estate gets ugly reputation

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Mr William Odhiambo said they are planning to install informative road signs and Jersey barriers.

Mr. William Odhiambo, a surveyor carrying out the topographical survey along Ngata bridge.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“This survey is important as it helps plan for the construction ahead. It is paramount for the contract because all payments on the road depend on what was there before and the results after the work is done. We will construct a medium barrier, service road at both ends and we will extend the current traffic lanes to four lanes", he said.

This comes as a sign of better days to come for the many residents who ply this busy route.

sanyabret@gmail.com

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Bret Sanya