The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has commenced urgent reconfiguration works at Kisumu’s Coptic roundabout following a tragic accident that claimed 26 lives last week.
The Authority confirmed that a multi-agency site visit preceded the move, with topographical survey data now being collected to guide the redesign. According to KeNHA, the new design will prioritize safety while improving traffic flow on the busy Kisumu–Kakamega highway.
“The Authority seeks to develop a design that addresses the prevailing safety challenges while ensuring efficiency for both motorists and pedestrians,” KeNHA said in a statement.
Samwel Kumba, KeNHA’s Deputy Director of Corporate Communication, urged motorists to remain cautious as works progress. He emphasized the importance of road safety, including adherence to traffic rules and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy.
“KeNHA appeals to all road users to maintain vigilance on the road. Observing traffic rules is key in reducing accidents and enhancing safety for everyone,” Kumba stated.
The reconfiguration comes days after a grisly crash involving a bus from Nyakach Koguta, which left 26 passengers dead and another 26 injured. The incident sparked outrage among residents and leaders, who demanded immediate action to address what they described as a long-standing death trap.
By Saturday morning, residents discovered the roundabout had been flattened overnight, leaving behind heaps of soil and debris. KeNHA officials later arrived with heavy machinery to clear the rubble, as traffic police managed vehicles at the site.
Locals expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the swift intervention, while others criticized the lack of public communication before the works began.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o called for a comprehensive review of not only the roundabout but the entire highway structure. “The redesign must go beyond cosmetic fixes and ensure long-term safety for all road users,” he said.
The Coptic roundabout has long been considered a high-risk spot, with frequent accidents reported. The latest tragedy appears to have triggered urgent intervention, as authorities move to balance safety concerns with the region’s growing traffic demands.
