KeNHA approves permanent redesign of Kisumu Coptic roundabout after deadly crashes

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has approved a permanent redesign of the Kisumu Coptic roundabout, replacing it with a median after the junction was linked to repeated fatal crashes, including one that killed 26 people.

The Authority now says the section will be converted into a safer roadway with barriers, fresh markings and signage to protect motorists and pedestrians.

The decision comes a month after unknown individuals dug up the roundabout along the Kisumu–Kakamega highway in protest following the grisly accident.

KeNHA Nyanza Regional Director Eng Julius Mak’Odero said the authority’s intervention was prompted by growing public concern, with the intersection being flagged as one of the most dangerous black spots in the country.

“Unknown people dug the roundabout at night without our express authority. What they did basically transferred the hazard from one part of the road to another. However, within a few hours, we were able to carry out mitigation measures that ensured no motorist or any other road user was put in danger,” Mak’Odero said.

He explained that the redesigned plan, which has already been approved, will see the roundabout completely removed and replaced with a median separating the two carriageways.

According to Mak’Odero, the new layout will eliminate cross-intersections, ensuring vehicles either head directly into Kisumu town or outwards without switching between carriageways.

“That will mean members of the public who relied on the roundabout may have to cover a longer distance. But this is purely for the safety of motorists and other road users,” he said.

The permanent works, set to begin within weeks, will include the installation of barriers, fresh road markings and signage to direct drivers.

Mak’Odero also cautioned both motorists and pedestrians against bypassing the safety barriers, warning that such actions endangered other road users.

“We urge members of the public to cooperate with us. We have had instances where people try to get over the barriers. We are asking them to use the necessary infrastructure and signage for their own safety,” he said, further calling on transport operators to desist from reckless manoeuvres that could worsen the situation.

The Coptic roundabout, which connects Kisumu’s CBD to Kondele and the Airport Road, has long faced criticism from residents, civil society groups and transporters, who branded it poorly designed. But its permanent removal is now seen as one of the boldest safety interventions in the area in recent years.

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