Kisumu Senator calls for urgent redesign of Coptic roundabout after tragic accident that left 26 dead
In a statement, the senator said he had initiated urgent discussions with leaders and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on immediate action to be taken by both the national and county governments to prevent further loss of life at the notorious junction.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has proposed a redesign of the Coptic Roundabout along the Kisumu–Kakamega Road, the site of the road crash that claimed 26 lives on Thursday night.
In a statement, the senator said he had initiated urgent discussions with leaders and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on immediate action to be taken by both the national and county governments to prevent further loss of life at the notorious junction.
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“This roundabout has long been identified as a dangerous blackspot, where a combination of steep gradients from Riat Hills, poor signage, and inadequate speed control have repeatedly contributed to devastating accidents. Safety at this location is grossly inadequate. Earlier this year, a university bus overturned, killing one; a lorry crash on July 3 claimed three lives; and in April, a student died in another bus accident,” he said.
The most recent tragedy occurred when a bus carrying mourners overturned at the Coptic Roundabout along the Kisumu–Kakamega Road.
“It is with profound sorrow that I, on behalf of the people of Kisumu County, extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 26 mourners who tragically lost their lives yesterday. Several others remain injured, some critically, and are receiving urgent medical care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital,” said Ojienda.
The senator called for several urgent interventions, including: A comprehensive structural redesign of the Coptic Roundabout to simplify navigation, reduce the steepness of the descent, and improve visibility for incoming traffic.
Installation of additional speed control measures, including more effective speed bumps and rumble strips placed well in advance of the roundabout to force significant speed reduction before the curve.
Enhanced road signage and clear, visible markings warning drivers of the upcoming roundabout and the steep descent from Riat Hills.
He also urged a coordinated road safety audit involving the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), KeNHA, county officials, and local stakeholders to produce a rapid-action crash-mitigation plan tailored to this specific hotspot.
He also called for community awareness campaigns to encourage motorists, especially bus and lorry drivers, to observe safe speeds, avoid coasting in neutral gear on slopes, and adhere to traffic regulations at all times.
“The lives lost in this tragedy were not just statistics, they were mothers, fathers, children, and respected members of the Sigoti Clan returning from a burial. We cannot allow future funerals or journeys to end in tragedy. We must act swiftly and decisively,” he said.
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