By K, KNA
Residents and motorists in Thika Town have raised alarm over unmarked pedestrian crossings along major roads, warning that the oversight poses a serious safety threat.
The busy town’s key roads — including Kenyatta Highway, Kwame Nkrumah Road and Uhuru Street — have gone without clearly marked zebra crossings for over a year, leaving pedestrians and drivers in constant risk of accidents.
Fruit vendor Sammy Mwangi, a longtime resident, accused the concerned road state agencies including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the Kiambu County government for neglecting their duty to protect road users.
“It is the responsibility of these state agencies and the Kiambu County government to ensure the safety of Kenyans on the road is taken care of. Our leaders too have not been of help in raising up this matter for action,” he said.
Another resident, Praxdies Ambiyo, expressed concern for vulnerable groups. “The unmarked pedestrian crossings pose a great danger to school-going children and the elderly, who may not be cautious enough to observe traffic signs or oncoming vehicles,” she noted.
Motorists also shared frustrations. 2TS Sacco drivers Baptista Kibe and Kamau Wachira said unmarked crossings make their work harder, as pedestrians cross unpredictably.
“As a driver you must be very careful because if the car develops a problem, you might end up hitting someone,” Kibe said. Wachira added that lack of road markings creates confusion for motorists, especially during peak hours.
Bodaboda operator John Gathuru, who has witnessed several accidents, blamed the situation on poor road signage.
“Accidents occur a lot because both drivers and pedestrians do not know where the crossings are. New drivers in town rarely slow down since they can’t see the zebra crossings,” he explained.
Residents are now demanding urgent action, calling for fresh paint on the faded zebra crossings and installation of clear signposts.
“I urge the county government to put up signs and mark the crossings so drivers can see them from a distance and allow pedestrians to cross safely,” Gathuru appealed.
Responding to the concerns, Thika Township MCA Kentams Mwangi assured residents that the issue is already being addressed.
“A contractor has been awarded the work, and I will personally follow up to ensure the zebra crossings and signposts are fixed,” he said.