There was excitement in Kisumu on Wednesday, after the first ever traffic lights were installed in the city. This is a move aimed at controlling traffic at several intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) installed the lights in three key junctions along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway following road upgrades, and subsequent traffic increase.
The new four lane highway linking Nairobi-Kisumu road and the Kakamega route has necessitated the installation, according to Kenha director general Peter Mundinia. “There are pedestrians as well as vehicles crossing junctions so the lights are meant to ensure infrastructure is more efficient,” he said.
It has been 18 years since Kisumu was declared a city by President Daniel arap Moi.
NAS International company has been sub-contracted to install the lights. “We have started installation works at Patels and will move to the three main junctions,” Nicholas Airo, the CEO of NAS said.
The 3 junctions include Kisumu Boys round-about, Patels and Kondele roundabouts.
