Eldoret town made a small but historic step on Wednesday with the official launch of its first traffic lights. But while the red, amber and green may seem ordinary in many cities, here, they’ve turned into something of a public attraction.
As morning broke, groups of residents gathered at the junctions, watching in wonder as the lights changed. Some snapped photos. Others just stood quietly, observing the flow of traffic.
“It’s like a show,” laughed 24-year-old James Kiptoo, a boda boda rider who said he had never seen working lights in Eldoret before. “We’re used to roundabouts and traffic cops. This feels like Nairobi.”
The traffic lights were switched on overnight, and by daybreak, social media was buzzing. Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to share mixed feelings—some amused, others reflective.
“Eldoret people are standing and staring at traffic lights. Clearly, we have a long way to go,” one user wrote, sparking debate.
Others were more supportive, calling the development a sign of progress in regional infrastructure.
“Let them stare. They’re witnessing change. Every town starts somewhere,” another replied.
The town, located in western Kenya, has seen rapid growth in recent years. As more vehicles hit the roads, managing traffic has become a pressing issue. Eldoret’s county officials say the lights are part of a broader plan to modernise transport in the town.
“We’re working on easing congestion and improving road safety,” a local transport official said. “This is just the beginning.”
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some residents worry the lights may confuse drivers who are unfamiliar with automated signals. Others question whether drivers will obey them without proper enforcement.
Local matatu driver John Mutai said, “It’s good, but we need awareness. People don’t understand how the lights work yet.”
In the meantime, the novelty remains. The lights have not just changed how traffic moves-they’ve become a conversation starter, a teaching moment, even a tourist attraction of sorts.
As Eldoret takes this step towards urban order, the reactions may be mixed, but the interest is clear: the lights are on, and people are watching.
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