Deadly design flaw? KeNHA on the spot over missing median on Southern Bypass
A growing number of fatal crashes along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass have triggered renewed scrutiny of the highway’s design, with road safety advocates warning that a critical omission particularly the lack of a concrete median that has turned the busy corridor into a deadly trap for motorists.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has now squarely placed blame on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), accusing the agency of approving the completion of the high-speed dual carriageway without installing a physical barrier to separate opposing traffic.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, MAK described the decision as “reckless,” arguing that the absence of a concrete median has exposed motorists to head-on collisions, illegal U-turns and uncontrolled crossings, risks that are amplified on a road designed for high-speed travel.
“The failure to install a concrete median on the Southern Bypass has turned this critical highway into a hotspot for deadly head-on collisions. Those responsible for approving the completion certificate must be held accountable for this glaring oversight,” MAK said.
Further, the motorists’ association demanded for urgent and immediate construction of the median to prevent what they termed as “further loss of life and restore the safety that should be guaranteed on a dual carriageway designed for high-speed travel,” they added.
The Southern Bypass serves as a key link between Mombasa Road, Ngong Road and Kikuyu, carrying heavy commercial traffic, fuel tankers and commuter vehicles daily. Yet, unlike other major highways of similar design standards, long sections remain without a rigid central barrier.
MAK argues that this design flaw is not merely technical but life-threatening, noting that concrete medians are internationally recognised as a basic safety requirement on dual carriageways. Such barriers prevent vehicles from veering into oncoming lanes and deter dangerous manoeuvres such as illegal U-turns and sudden crossings.
The association drew parallels with the 2016 Karai tragedy, where 40 people were killed after a bus rammed into a poorly marked speed bump on the Nairobi–Naivasha highway. Despite national outrage and promises of reform at the time, MAK says lessons from that disaster appear to have been ignored.
“We will hold KeNHA fully responsible,” the association warned.
Concerns intensified following a dramatic crash on January 24 near the Lang’ata underpass, close to Wilson Airport and the Carnivore Restaurant. A fuel tanker travelling towards Kikuyu reportedly lost control after hitting a pavement, collided with a lorry, and overturned onto the road below.
The tanker burst into flames, triggering a major fire that engulfed nearby vehicles and damaged at least three cars parked at a nearby car wash. The incident narrowly avoided a larger catastrophe in an area surrounded by businesses, hotels and heavy traffic.
Traffic officers from Lang’ata police station sealed off the affected section as emergency crews battled the blaze. KeNHA temporarily closed the Southern Bypass in the Mombasa Road direction, diverting vehicles through Lang’ata Road. The road was only partially reopened after debris was cleared and safety assessments completed.
The incident resulted in one fatality while road safety experts say it underscored the vulnerability of the corridor and the potentially devastating consequences of crashes involving heavy vehicles.
As investigations into recent accidents continue, pressure is mounting on KeNHA to explain why a key safety feature was omitted and whether cost-cutting or oversight placed lives at risk on one of Nairobi’s busiest highways.
