Nairobi Expressway operator announced the indefinite closure of three exits on Wednesday, July 12, after some sections of the road were destroyed during protests.
The affected toll stations include Mlolongo, Syokimau, and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) stations. The operator and government officials will hold a meeting to assess the damages before initiating repairs on the damaged sections.
Jeanne May Ong’iyo, the Public Relations Manager of Moja Express, spoke to Kenyans.co.ke and emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of motorists before reopening the highway that spans from Mlolongo to Westlands.
Ong’iyo stated, “We cannot rush to open the highway before guaranteeing the safety of motorists on the road.”
As a result of the closure, motorists who usually exit at Mlolongo, Syokimau, and SGR toll stations will now need to exit at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) instead.
“The toll stations will remain closed for now. There are a lot of stakeholders involved so they will convene in a meeting to discuss the cost implications and the way forward. Once the toll stations are ready, we will release a statement,” Ong’iyo said.
“No one anticipated that the maandamano would spill over onto the expressway.” Ong’iyo added.
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Ong’iyo assured the public that once the toll stations are ready to resume operations, Moja Express will issue a statement. She also expressed the operator’s commitment to enhancing security along the entire expressway in light of the unexpected protests that took place.
Regarding the recent protests, she revealed that the toll attendants at the affected stations were safely evacuated before the demonstrations began. The police officers dispatched to the area managed to disperse the rowdy youth who had caused destructions approximately one kilometer into the highway.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, the government strongly condemned the violence and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken. Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen both expressed their disapproval of the chaos.
Transport Minister Murkomen instructed the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Amin Mohamed to utilize CCTV cameras and media reports to identify the perpetrators who will face the full force of the law.
“This culture of impunity will stop. All those who took part, directly or indirectly, in today’s well-orchestrated violation of public safety and security of our nation shall be punished.” CS Kindiki echoed.
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