Hello, Eldoret residents! Have you noticed the buzz around town, especially near the Uganda Road junctions? Eldoret City traffic lights installation is in full swing, marking a major milestone for our newly minted city.
After nearly 30 years, traffic lights are making a comeback to manage the growing hustle and bustle. From Kapsoya to the Eldoret Sports Club, this upgrade is set to transform how we move. Let’s explore what’s happening and why it matters to you.
Why Traffic Lights Are Back in Eldoret
Eldoret’s roads are busier than ever. With over 300,000 vehicles and 5,000 boda bodas zipping through daily, plus a population of about 700,000, traffic jams have become a daily headache.
Governor Jonathan Bii is tackling this head-on with the Eldoret City traffic lights installation along key junctions like those on Uganda Highway. “Keeping our city in check! Traffic lights installation underway,” Bii announced on social media three months ago, signaling a push to modernize our infrastructure.
This isn’t Eldoret’s first dance with traffic lights. Back in the 1990s, then-mayor Josiah Magut tried installing them, but drivers, confused by red lights, sped through, thinking they signaled danger. This led to accidents and the lights being switched off the same day.
Now, with Eldoret’s new city status, granted by President William Ruto in August 2024, the county is ready to try again with better planning and public awareness.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
The Uasin Gishu County government is installing traffic lights at major junctions along Uganda Highway, a critical artery linking Eldoret to East and Central African countries. These lights aim to ease congestion, reduce accidents, and boost safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. The project is nearly complete, with surrounding roads also getting upgrades to improve traffic flow.
Here’s what the Eldoret City traffic lights installation brings:
– Smoother Traffic Flow: Lights will regulate busy junctions, cutting down on gridlock near places like Eldoret Daima Towers.
– Enhanced Safety: With 300,000 vehicles daily, controlled junctions will reduce collisions.
– Economic Boost: Better roads and traffic management make Eldoret more attractive to investors.
Challenges and Learning Curve
Adapting to traffic lights won’t be easy for everyone. Many Eldoret drivers, especially boda boda riders near Moi University, have never used them before. The 1990s fiasco showed how confusion can lead to chaos. Governor Bii is urging residents to “get used to the traffic lights” before they’re fully commissioned. Local police and county officials are planning awareness campaigns to teach drivers the rules, ensuring a smoother transition this time.
Why This Matters to Eldoret Residents
From Pioneer Estate to the CBD, the Eldoret City traffic lights installation impacts us all. Fewer traffic jams mean quicker commutes to work or school, whether you’re heading to the Eldoret-Iten junction or Kapsoya market. Safer roads protect our families, especially pedestrians crossing busy Uganda Highway. Plus, with Eldoret’s new city status, these upgrades signal growth, making our home a hub for trade and investment, rivaling Nairobi and Mombasa.
However, some residents, as noted in a TUKO.co.ke report, worry about overcomplicating our “orderly” city. Others praise the initiative for boosting security and economic potential. What’s your take? Are you ready to embrace the change?
How You Can Prepare
As Eldoret evolves, let’s get ready for this shift. Whether you’re driving near the Juma Haji roundabout or riding a boda boda, take time to learn traffic light signals. Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means slow down—simple but critical. Stay updated via county announcements or local radio stations broadcasting from Uganda Road. If you’re a parent near Kapsaos Secondary School, talk to your kids about road safety.
The Eldoret City traffic lights installation is a step toward a safer, more vibrant city. Let’s embrace this change and keep Eldoret moving forward. Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for updates as we approach the official commissioning!
