Kapenguria: Residents of Kapenguria Town in West Pokot County have issued a call to the government for the construction of paved sidewalks along the main road leading to the county's head offices. Despite the recent tarmacking of the road, pedestrian walkways were not included, leaving those who walk to government offices or commute on foot vulnerable and inconvenienced.
According to Kenya News Agency, the concerned residents argue that sidewalks are necessary for all roads within the municipality to accommodate the increasing number of motorists and motorbikes. John Losiwa, a resident, emphasized the importance of walkability, stating that not everyone can afford to use bodabodas or vehicles for transportation. He highlighted Sakas Road as a model example, noting its pedestrian-friendly design.
Losiwa expressed disappointment that the Makutano-Kapenguria Road, which leads to vital government facilities such as the Kapenguria County Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Kapenguria Police headquarters, lacks footpaths despite a significant pedestrian presence. He argued that installing sidewalks would encourage more people to walk comfortably and cater to modern town needs.
The absence of sidewalks also poses challenges for visually impaired individuals, who struggle to navigate the roads safely. Martha Chemutai, another resident, pointed out the potential for improved drainage along the major road from the Kitale-Lodwar Highway, which is prone to gully erosion. She urged the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to prioritize the construction of sidewalks due to the growing population and traffic.
Chemutai also highlighted the risks faced by joggers due to the lack of walkways and advocated for their urgent implementation. Government offices in Kapenguria are located in a secluded administrative area, resulting in a majority of service seekers traveling from a single direction. Residents proposed that sidewalks be installed on both sides of the road to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents, as motorists often exceed the marked speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour.
The residents further noted that adding sidewalks on major roads within the municipality would benefit students from local schools, such as Kapenguria Boys', Chewoyet National School, and Nasokol Girls', who frequently walk to catch public transportation. They insist that sidewalks are a necessity for the transport sector to accommodate all types of road users.