‘We Have Heard You’ – Chuka University VC Assures Students After Demos Over Road Accidents.

Chuka University Vice Chancellor Henry Mutembei has assured students that the government is taking necessary steps to secure the Meru-Nairobi highway segment near the university.

This announcement comes after students protested along the highway on Monday, October 28, 2024, following a tragic accident at Ndagani on Saturday, October 26, in which a second-year student lost her life and another was critically injured.

According to Prof. Mutembei, the Ministry of Transport, led by CS Davis Chirchir, has pledged to construct a flyover and add rumble bumps near the university. Additionally, the ministry plans to install clear speed limit signs, zebra crossings, and footpaths along the highway to improve safety.

“The Transport CS has assured us that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is on site and will ensure that a footbridge, footpaths, and rumble bumps are constructed. We are also going to have clearly indicated speed limit signs and zebra crossings,” Mutembei stated. “An emergency meeting has already taken place, and the ministry has agreed to budget for these changes, which we expect to see soon.”

Prof. Mutembei urged motorists to exercise caution and appealed to students to remain calm as the university continues to engage with the government to ensure these promises are fulfilled. “If the driver had been careful, we would not have lost a life. All motorists should be careful. To the students, we have heard you. Let us maintain our calm,” he added.

Chuka University students had lit up tires and barricaded parts of the Meru-Nairobi highway, causing an eight-hour disruption of activities as police used teargas to disperse the crowds.

Council Chair Prof. David Serem expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student and urged the government to take action swiftly. “We send our deepest condolences to the family and wish a quick recovery to the injured student. We join our Vice Chancellor in mourning and call on the government to ensure pedestrian safety by implementing the promised infrastructure.”

The tragic accident on October 26, 2024, unfolded around 5:30 pm when a Probox veered off the road, hitting two students walking nearby. Both were rushed to Chuka Referral Hospital, where, tragically, one succumbed to her injuries. The incident involved a Toyota Fielder, registration KBX 203S, headed toward Chuka from Meru, and a Probox, registration KDL 985G, coming from the opposite direction.

As the university and the Ministry of Transport rally to implement these promised changes, students and the surrounding community hold onto the hope that safer infrastructure will soon transform the road and prevent future tragedies.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.