DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
Listers, One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it's important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners...I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city. I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030. On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)....I've been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity. I've seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan...you name it....so in my mind I thought a "slip road" would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I've hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence? First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one - the one ahead or the one to my right...my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus...and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination - I have never seen 90o slip roads....the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o - Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! - how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can't see other cars coming from all directions) - I've never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions! Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. Summary 1. The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs 2. The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians 3. The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls - the Museum area is a classic example) - do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don't let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. 4. Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently. While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it's currently designed - it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work. Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you. Lets design and implement Konza differently....we must never compromise on standards. Edith (personal opinion)
Edith I agree with you on this one that superhighway is deadly at night, its unfortunate we don't take marking of roads seriously which results in a good number of accidents, In addition wonder how the new roads bill is going to be enacted , it is clear the higher the fine the higher the chances of corruption, can we incorporate cameras on our highways similar to what other countries are doing, hope the vision 2030 second can try this since the fines can contribute a substantial sum to our GDP, say 10 percent based on our current affinity to break the Law. Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> Sender: kictanet-bounces+otieno.barrack=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.keDate: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:35:13 To: <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/otieno.barrack%40gmail.... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
The problem with Thika road is simple: 1. No one wants to drive at 30 Kph 2. Everyone wants to use the shortest path to their destination All other complaints revolve around the inconveniences caused by the above
Dennis, This is simplistic! Take time to be analytical. Edith From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Dennis Kioko Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 12:01 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? The problem with Thika road is simple: 1. No one wants to drive at 30 Kph 2. Everyone wants to use the shortest path to their destination All other complaints revolve around the inconveniences caused by the above
On 23 April 2012 12:06, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Dennis,****
** **
This is simplistic! Take time to be analytical.****
** **
Edith
Just take a drive long Murang'a road. You will be confused as to what lane you are actually , vehicles drive in all directions, and take U turns as they please. To start tackling the issue, the simplest of road rules must apply. Without that, what will we be solving? I bet the contractors soon realised that road signs were not that effective, hence their placement with abandon.
****
** **
*From:* kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf Of *Dennis Kioko *Sent:* Monday, April 23, 2012 12:01 PM *To:* Edith Adera
*Cc:* KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?****
** **
The problem with Thika road is simple: ****
1. No one wants to drive at 30 Kph**** 2. Everyone wants to use the shortest path to their destination****
All other complaints revolve around the inconveniences caused by the above ****
-- with Regards: blog.denniskioko.com <http://www.denniskioko.com/>
Dennis, Two Level of Issues 1. The road design itself - slip roads, interchanges (with blind spots), road signs, road markings etc etc 2. The need to follow road rules is another (this is a perennial problem, and with Thika road it is ever more urgent!). My main concern is with No 1. Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist Climate Change and Water Program Agriculture and Environment International Development Research Centre Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Liason House 2nd floor, State House Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya +254-20-2713160/1 | Fax: +254-20-2711063 | Mobile: +254-733-624345 eadera@idrc.ca | www.idrc.ca | www.crdi.ca From: Dennis Kioko [mailto:dmbuvi@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 12:21 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? On 23 April 2012 12:06, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke>> wrote: Dennis, This is simplistic! Take time to be analytical. Edith Just take a drive long Murang'a road. You will be confused as to what lane you are actually , vehicles drive in all directions, and take U turns as they please. To start tackling the issue, the simplest of road rules must apply. Without that, what will we be solving? I bet the contractors soon realised that road signs were not that effective, hence their placement with abandon. From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke> [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera<mailto:kictanet-bounces%2Beadera>=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke>] On Behalf Of Dennis Kioko Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 12:01 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? The problem with Thika road is simple: 1. No one wants to drive at 30 Kph 2. Everyone wants to use the shortest path to their destination All other complaints revolve around the inconveniences caused by the above -- with Regards: blog.denniskioko.com<http://www.denniskioko.com/>
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one – the one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. ****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith, If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be put in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass this over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-) I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account then? I believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers. As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike! -- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
Here are some of the crazy things that motorists attempt on Thika Road http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/ignorance-law-no-defence For slip roads, you can tell its not an exit if you have to drive in a Z to use it, or if you have to do a Ↄ to use the exit.
My take, The Chinese contractors are doing a good job, right. But they are not marking the road. Imagine driving at 120 km/hr, then you find the road closed and there was no sign to warn you of the imminent encounter. At around Survey there is a diversion, but the overpass which is closed to Muthaiga, there is nothing that shows the road needs to be closed. Many a times, one is likely to get into the wrong side of the road then you find yourself driving all the way back to where you were before. It's hectic when the lanes keep on changing every day On 23 April 2012 12:35, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi@gmail.com> wrote:
Here are some of the crazy things that motorists attempt on Thika Road http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/ignorance-law-no-defence
For slip roads, you can tell its not an exit if you have to drive in a Z to use it, or if you have to do a Ↄ to use the exit. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/solo.mburu%40gmail.com
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
On 23 April 2012 12:53, Solomon Mbũrũ Kamau <solo.mburu@gmail.com> wrote:
My take,
The Chinese contractors are doing a good job, right. But they are not marking the road. Imagine driving at 120 km/hr,
driving 120 kph in a road under construction? Where's the hurry to? again, our problems are not new, just an evolution of an old problem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons then you find the road closed and there was no sign to warn you of the
imminent encounter. At around Survey there is a diversion, but the overpass which is closed to Muthaiga, there is nothing that shows the road needs to be closed. Many a times, one is likely to get into the wrong side of the road then you find yourself driving all the way back to where you were before.
It's hectic when the lanes keep on changing every day
On 23 April 2012 12:35, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi@gmail.com> wrote:
Here are some of the crazy things that motorists attempt on Thika Road http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/ignorance-law-no-defence
For slip roads, you can tell its not an exit if you have to drive in a Z to use it, or if you have to do a Ↄ to use the exit. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/solo.mburu%40gmail.com
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- with Regards: blog.denniskioko.com <http://www.denniskioko.com/>
On 23 April 2012 12:55, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi@gmail.com> wrote:
On 23 April 2012 12:53, Solomon Mbũrũ Kamau <solo.mburu@gmail.com> wrote:
My take,
The Chinese contractors are doing a good job, right. But they are not marking the road. Imagine driving at 120 km/hr,
driving 120 kph in a road under construction? Where's the hurry to?
again, our problems are not new, just an evolution of an old problem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons
From Ruiru to Githurai, then Githurai to All Sopps the road is so tempting, bro, save for a few bumps.
then you find the road closed and there was no sign to warn you of the
imminent encounter. At around Survey there is a diversion, but the overpass which is closed to Muthaiga, there is nothing that shows the road needs to be closed. Many a times, one is likely to get into the wrong side of the road then you find yourself driving all the way back to where you were before.
It's hectic when the lanes keep on changing every day
On 23 April 2012 12:35, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi@gmail.com> wrote:
Here are some of the crazy things that motorists attempt on Thika Road http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/ignorance-law-no-defence
For slip roads, you can tell its not an exit if you have to drive in a Z to use it, or if you have to do a Ↄ to use the exit. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/solo.mburu%40gmail.com
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
-- with Regards:
blog.denniskioko.com <http://www.denniskioko.com/>
Well @ Wash, Transport is also part and parcel of ICT's, you will find Vision 2030 signboards besides this superhighway that is now claiming lives. Let us not forget that his excellency the president has been at the forefront warning citizens to be carefull while using the new infrastructure. That said i would also take up this matter with Mugo Kibati and take sides with Edith, at least something might be done since he seems passionate about taking this country to the next level, this KURA and Ministry of roads people are simply not serious, i say this because a couple of weeks ago a contractor dug up patches on Lang'ata road and left them unattended for a week, you should have seen the way folks were bumping into each other at night while swerving to avoid those potholes, a couple of weeks ago i landed into a manhole right in the centre of Kisii town one of the most productive towns in the country and had to pay 7 guys to lift my car out of it, why do we entertain such mediocrity while we are paying contractors and engineers billions of taxpayers money, recently there was a case of an esteemed Kenyan who had a terrible accident on the same superhighway occassioned by boulders that were used to block the road, he sued the contractor for a tidy sum because he knew what to do what about the other Kenyans who don't have such knowledge? if KicTANET is effective then we will use it to get the point home and wake up those sleeping officers, bwana Kibati with this madness we need to add another ten years to vision 2030. On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote:
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one – the one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. ****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith,
If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be put in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass this over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-)
I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account then? I believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers.
As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike!
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
Well said Barrack! -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Barrack Otieno Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 12:52 PM To: Edith Adera Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Well @ Wash, Transport is also part and parcel of ICT's, you will find Vision 2030 signboards besides this superhighway that is now claiming lives. Let us not forget that his excellency the president has been at the forefront warning citizens to be carefull while using the new infrastructure. That said i would also take up this matter with Mugo Kibati and take sides with Edith, at least something might be done since he seems passionate about taking this country to the next level, this KURA and Ministry of roads people are simply not serious, i say this because a couple of weeks ago a contractor dug up patches on Lang'ata road and left them unattended for a week, you should have seen the way folks were bumping into each other at night while swerving to avoid those potholes, a couple of weeks ago i landed into a manhole right in the centre of Kisii town one of the most productive towns in the country and had to pay 7 guys to lift my car out of it, why do we entertain such mediocrity while we are paying contractors and engineers billions of taxpayers money, recently there was a case of an esteemed Kenyan who had a terrible accident on the same superhighway occassioned by boulders that were used to block the road, he sued the contractor for a tidy sum because he knew what to do what about the other Kenyans who don't have such knowledge? if KicTANET is effective then we will use it to get the point home and wake up those sleeping officers, bwana Kibati with this madness we need to add another ten years to vision 2030. On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote:
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it's important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners...I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)....I've been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I've seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan...you name it....so in my mind I thought a "slip road" would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I've hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one - the one ahead or the one to my right...my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus...and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination - I have never seen 90o slip roads....the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o - Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! - how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can't see other cars coming from all directions) - I've never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. ****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls - the Museum area is a classic example) - do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don't let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it's currently designed - it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently....we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith,
If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be put in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass this over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-)
I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account then? I believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers.
As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike!
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/eadera%40idrc.or.ke The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
@Barrack, In that case, I would also like to request Mugo Kibati to intercede with City Council so that they can "properly" fix the road damage between Integrity Centre and the junction to State Hse. I am sure most people know the place. What I am saying is that we should find ways to make the people responsible to handle their responsibilities first hand. Like Oloo Khisa has done, he has copied Engineer Kidenda (dg@kenha.co.ke) in his e-mail. We are hoping that he will respond to that. For me, that is the first step. The second step would not be to call him, but rather find a way to highlight the issue through one of the many Radio Stations. That way I will be calling upon many citizen (not just the few on KICTANet) to arise and hold him to account. There must be a way, if he ignores the e-mails. There are some offials who leave the handling of their e-mails to their PAs, who easily delete such messages or simply don't attach any importance to them, because they take some of those as "business as usual cases". On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 12:51, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com>wrote:
Well @ Wash,
Transport is also part and parcel of ICT's, you will find Vision 2030 signboards besides this superhighway that is now claiming lives. Let us not forget that his excellency the president has been at the forefront warning citizens to be carefull while using the new infrastructure. That said i would also take up this matter with Mugo Kibati and take sides with Edith, at least something might be done since he seems passionate about taking this country to the next level, this KURA and Ministry of roads people are simply not serious, i say this because a couple of weeks ago a contractor dug up patches on Lang'ata road and left them unattended for a week, you should have seen the way folks were bumping into each other at night while swerving to avoid those potholes, a couple of weeks ago i landed into a manhole right in the centre of Kisii town one of the most productive towns in the country and had to pay 7 guys to lift my car out of it, why do we entertain such mediocrity while we are paying contractors and engineers billions of taxpayers money, recently there was a case of an esteemed Kenyan who had a terrible accident on the same superhighway occassioned by boulders that were used to block the road, he sued the contractor for a tidy sum because he knew what to do what about the other Kenyans who don't have such knowledge? if KicTANET is effective then we will use it to get the point home and wake up those sleeping officers, bwana Kibati with this madness we need to add another ten years to vision 2030.
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030
like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for
first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening
should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one –
one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at
same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as
****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith,
If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be
in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass
On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote: project the that the this possible. put this
over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-)
I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account then? I believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers.
As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike!
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
Now we are talking @ Wash that is the power of KiCTANET, Oloo Khisa is a member of this list and he has done the right thing, i hope Engineer Kidenda is enlisted and responds accordingly, it would also be nice to hear from Mugo since he is responsible for vision 2030. On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote:
@Barrack,
In that case, I would also like to request Mugo Kibati to intercede with City Council so that they can "properly" fix the road damage between Integrity Centre and the junction to State Hse. I am sure most people know the place. What I am saying is that we should find ways to make the people responsible to handle their responsibilities first hand.
Like Oloo Khisa has done, he has copied Engineer Kidenda (dg@kenha.co.ke) in his e-mail. We are hoping that he will respond to that. For me, that is the first step. The second step would not be to call him, but rather find a way to highlight the issue through one of the many Radio Stations. That way I will be calling upon many citizen (not just the few on KICTANet) to arise and hold him to account.
There must be a way, if he ignores the e-mails. There are some offials who leave the handling of their e-mails to their PAs, who easily delete such messages or simply don't attach any importance to them, because they take some of those as "business as usual cases".
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 12:51, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com>wrote:
Well @ Wash,
Transport is also part and parcel of ICT's, you will find Vision 2030 signboards besides this superhighway that is now claiming lives. Let us not forget that his excellency the president has been at the forefront warning citizens to be carefull while using the new infrastructure. That said i would also take up this matter with Mugo Kibati and take sides with Edith, at least something might be done since he seems passionate about taking this country to the next level, this KURA and Ministry of roads people are simply not serious, i say this because a couple of weeks ago a contractor dug up patches on Lang'ata road and left them unattended for a week, you should have seen the way folks were bumping into each other at night while swerving to avoid those potholes, a couple of weeks ago i landed into a manhole right in the centre of Kisii town one of the most productive towns in the country and had to pay 7 guys to lift my car out of it, why do we entertain such mediocrity while we are paying contractors and engineers billions of taxpayers money, recently there was a case of an esteemed Kenyan who had a terrible accident on the same superhighway occassioned by boulders that were used to block the road, he sued the contractor for a tidy sum because he knew what to do what about the other Kenyans who don't have such knowledge? if KicTANET is effective then we will use it to get the point home and wake up those sleeping officers, bwana Kibati with this madness we need to add another ten years to vision 2030.
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030
like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for
first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening
should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one –
one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at
same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as
****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith,
If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be
in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass
On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote: project the that the this possible. put this
over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-)
I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account then? I believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers.
As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike!
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
I actually used the road on Saturday evening. I hit a huge rock by the road side just before the place where they are building the toll station on my way back, with my kids in the car, at about 8.00 pm, and ended up with 2 punctures. The road is really dangerous especially now that its not complete, not marked and no signs. But all along even after I restarted my journey, I realized that the people building that road are making a lot of careless mistakes for which they need to be sued. This idea of just blocking the road without proper signage and leaving rocks on the road is very dangerous. When I got to Kahawa sukari (this was yesterday evening), there was this tanker they had parked right across the road to block it, and it was getting dark. I imagined someone ramming into that lorry at cruise speed and shuddered. This is professional negligence. On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 1:17 PM, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com>wrote:
Now we are talking @ Wash that is the power of KiCTANET, Oloo Khisa is a member of this list and he has done the right thing, i hope Engineer Kidenda is enlisted and responds accordingly, it would also be nice to hear from Mugo since he is responsible for vision 2030.
@Barrack,
In that case, I would also like to request Mugo Kibati to intercede with City Council so that they can "properly" fix the road damage between Integrity Centre and the junction to State Hse. I am sure most people know the place. What I am saying is that we should find ways to make the people responsible to handle their responsibilities first hand.
Like Oloo Khisa has done, he has copied Engineer Kidenda (dg@kenha.co.ke ) in his e-mail. We are hoping that he will respond to that. For me, that is the first step. The second step would not be to call him, but rather find a way to highlight the issue through one of the many Radio Stations. That way I will be calling upon many citizen (not just the few on KICTANet) to arise and hold him to account.
There must be a way, if he ignores the e-mails. There are some offials who leave the handling of their e-mails to their PAs, who easily delete such messages or simply don't attach any importance to them, because they take some of those as "business as usual cases".
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 12:51, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com>wrote:
Well @ Wash,
Transport is also part and parcel of ICT's, you will find Vision 2030 signboards besides this superhighway that is now claiming lives. Let us not forget that his excellency the president has been at the forefront warning citizens to be carefull while using the new infrastructure. That said i would also take up this matter with Mugo Kibati and take sides with Edith, at least something might be done since he seems passionate about taking this country to the next level, this KURA and Ministry of roads people are simply not serious, i say this because a couple of weeks ago a contractor dug up patches on Lang'ata road and left them unattended for a week, you should have seen the way folks were bumping into each other at night while swerving to avoid those potholes, a couple of weeks ago i landed into a manhole right in the centre of Kisii town one of the most productive towns in the country and had to pay 7 guys to lift my car out of it, why do we entertain such mediocrity while we are paying contractors and engineers billions of taxpayers money, recently there was a case of an esteemed Kenyan who had a terrible accident on the same superhighway occassioned by boulders that were used to block the road, he sued the contractor for a tidy sum because he knew what to do what about the other Kenyans who don't have such knowledge? if KicTANET is effective then we will use it to get the point home and wake up those sleeping officers, bwana Kibati with this madness we need to add another ten years to vision 2030.
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:35, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:
Listers,****
** **
One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030
On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote: project
like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention
dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city.*** *
** **
*I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030.***
** **
On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity.****
** **
I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. ****
** **
We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence?****
** **
First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one – the one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions!****
** **
Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. ****
** **
*Summary*
** **
**1. **The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs****
**2. **The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians ****
**3. **The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in
opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. ****
**4. **Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently.****
** **
While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work.****
** **
Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you.****
** **
Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. ****
** **
Edith (personal opinion)****
Edith,
If you need accountability, I humbly suggest you make that a personal responsibility. I do agree with you that Thika Rd requires signs to be put in place - both directional as well as speed signs. I drove on a very small part of Thika Rd yesterday and I could help cursing on the lack of directional signs. However, I do not agree with you that you can pass this over to Mugo Kibati to address on your behalf. That sounds a bit elitist. How about those Kenyans who don't know Mugo Kibati? I am surprised at how easily you've jumped from addressing the problem with Thika Rd onto Konza:-)
I know (via the media) the pressure that was put on the construction company to complete the superhighway and open it up for use by a certain date. We all know you cannot rush certain projects this way and still have the work completed satisfactorily. Who should we hold to account
On 4/23/12, Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com> wrote: the the then? I
believe it's someone called the Chief Engineer of Roads, whose salary is drawn from out taxes or better still, take the political angle and seek out the Minister for Roads. Unfortunately, most govt websites went down and haven't been revived, even spinsman Mutua's! You need to find a way to get phone numbers or walk to the Ministry HQs and seek an appointment with either of those two officers.
As Kenyans, we always let ourselves down by assuming someone else will address our problems. Tuajibike!
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
-- Best regards, Odhiambo WASHINGTON, Nairobi,KE +254733744121/+254722743223 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ I can't hear you -- I'm using the scrambler. Please consider the environment before printing this email.
-- Barrack O. Otieno +254721325277 +254-20-2498789 Skype: barrack.otieno http://www.otienobarrack.me.ke/
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This already reeks of a class action suit, i believe the complainants would win. Lawyer Rumba Kinuthia instituted a private suite sometime back and i belive he won compensation for falling off one of teh embankments at night after some drinks, rain and fast driving in his mercedes. I think he might just be the fella to rattle the three major companies doing the road. A lot is taken for granted in Kenya. Like the fellows who blocked of the road outside daystar in upper hill so there could dig trench. No signage, just rain , their TATA truck and a huge 'Mtaro' in the road. Plus think of all the accidents in the recent past attributed to bad driving, carlessness, etc.... think of those two girls who lost their lives just recently on the road after their 'matatu' hit a stationary struck. I think the ministry involved should do something because this has already gotten out of hand.
The quality of signage as a whole has been of extremely quality. i think this lies squarely with the regulator (read overseer) of the projects. Perharps KENHA? The contractors have seen no regulatory pressure and thus are keeping their costs low..... But..... there seems to be some progress in the marking, not that it means i should drive on this lane in the morning and in the evening hit a mound of soil.... Totally unacceptable.. Check link: http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/highway-markings-utalii-lot2 On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 2:40 PM, Peter Wakaba <peterwakaba@gmail.com> wrote:
This already reeks of a class action suit, i believe the complainants would win. Lawyer Rumba Kinuthia instituted a private suite sometime back and i belive he won compensation for falling off one of teh embankments at night after some drinks, rain and fast driving in his mercedes. I think he might just be the fella to rattle the three major companies doing the road. A lot is taken for granted in Kenya. Like the fellows who blocked of the road outside daystar in upper hill so there could dig trench. No signage, just rain , their TATA truck and a huge 'Mtaro' in the road. Plus think of all the accidents in the recent past attributed to bad driving, carlessness, etc.... think of those two girls who lost their lives just recently on the road after their 'matatu' hit a stationary struck. I think the ministry involved should do something because this has already gotten out of hand.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
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I have had occasion to work with the Chinese. I can say with conviction when it comes to work the first thing they ask you is what quality of work do you want. This is why you end up with what appears to be a fallacy where the same company that manufactures iPods and iPhones also manufactures those hideous low qualify knockoffs. And which is why we have new roads that lack drainage of any kind. In which universe is drainage on roads optional? When it rains not only does the road become difficult to navigate but the pooling of water coupled with cars driving over it slowly and surely compromised the integrity of the road. I shudder when I imagine the unfortunates driving in parklands now. I'm sure before construction begins plans of the work to be done must be forwarded to someone who checks among other things; plan for the road, placement of signs, drainage, traffic lights provisions, bumps, etc. Who is this "someone" who approved work Witt catching such omissions? And who signed off that these roads are ready for use? On Monday, April 23, 2012, Andrew Gesora wrote:
The quality of signage as a whole has been of extremely quality. i think this lies squarely with the regulator (read overseer) of the projects. Perharps KENHA? The contractors have seen no regulatory pressure and thus are keeping their costs low.....
But..... there seems to be some progress in the marking, not that it means i should drive on this lane in the morning and in the evening hit a mound of soil.... Totally unacceptable..
Check link:
http://www.thikaroadblog.net/blog/highway-markings-utalii-lot2
On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 2:40 PM, Peter Wakaba <peterwakaba@gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'peterwakaba@gmail.com');>
wrote:
This already reeks of a class action suit, i believe the complainants would win. Lawyer Rumba Kinuthia instituted a private suite sometime back and i belive he won compensation for falling off one of teh embankments at night after some drinks, rain and fast driving in his mercedes. I think he might just be the fella to rattle the three major companies doing the road. A lot is taken for granted in Kenya. Like the fellows who blocked of the road outside daystar in upper hill so there could dig trench. No signage, just rain , their TATA truck and a huge 'Mtaro' in the road. Plus think of all the accidents in the recent past attributed to bad driving, carlessness, etc.... think of those two girls who lost their lives just recently on the road after their 'matatu' hit a stationary struck. I think the ministry involved should do something because this has already gotten out of hand.
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I hope Listers got home safely tonight. I happened to travel on some section of Thika road yesterday, and was appalled by lack of the road signs. Somehow though, they appear to have convinced matatus to stop on the service roads, rather than on the highway, without traffic signs, though some argue that tow vans (breakdowns) are enough of a traffic to deter matatus from picking and dropping passengers on the highway. This was a big problem last year. I am however convinced that the lack of traffic signs and marked roads contributed to the chaotic traffic we had today, with hundreds still waiting for matatus by 10:30 pm. Roads that lack traffic signs and that are unmarked contributed to the stalling of tens of vehicles that were stalled along Ngong Road, the CBD and Mombasa road. If the roads were marked to indicate how much distance vehicles should keep from each other, the tens of motorists that run into the behinds of other motorists would not have done so. In fact, the fact that Mombasa Road is marked in white rather than yellow paint is chiefly the cause of the high speed 4 vehicle pile up that saw the quartet run each other out of the road. Weren't it for the fact that the buses I took home were driven slowly, I would have arrived here earlier. At 120 kph, the journey would have been shorter, and our keen drivers would have spotted traffic signs and road markings. I'm sure the speeding motorist who splashed me with a pool of water along Tom Mboya street wouldn't have done so, if he had seen traffic signs warning of splashing of water on pedestrians when it rains. After all, they are good chaps that religiously drive to church every Sunday and pray for the reduction of accidents on our roads. Many accidents of late have been caused by drivers losing control, which can be easily solved by traffic signs warning motorists that other motorists are likely to lose control. Keep dry this season , especially by avoiding Ksh 6,500 Hush Puppy shoes which Bata, a Kenyan manufacturer if shoes, imports and sells. The damn things will have gaping holes in the soles in two months. Bata advices two months is a reasonably long time to void them of warranty, and you should grab the golden chance by its horn to employ local cobblers. Remember, traffic signs save lives. Take initiative, buy one today. Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: "Rad!" <conradakunga@gmail.com> Sender: kictanet-bounces+dmbuvi=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.keDate: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:07:55 To: Dennis Kioko Mbuvi<dmbuvi@gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmbuvi%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
And there's hardly ever any signage to warn motorists about which sections of the road will be closed during construction. You drive all the way a familiar route only to one day find it's blocked! Yesterdays traffic chaos on Murang'a Rd/Kipande Rd were caused by this and had a knock on effect all the way to CBD. It would also be a good idea for them to have a website where they could upload such information on diversions and closures daily in advance so users of the road can plan their journeys appropriately. Peres Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: dmbuvi@gmail.com Sender: kictanet-bounces+peres_were=yahoo.co.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:28:38 To: Peres Were<peres_were@yahoo.co.uk> Reply-To: dmbuvi@gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? I hope Listers got home safely tonight. I happened to travel on some section of Thika road yesterday, and was appalled by lack of the road signs. Somehow though, they appear to have convinced matatus to stop on the service roads, rather than on the highway, without traffic signs, though some argue that tow vans (breakdowns) are enough of a traffic to deter matatus from picking and dropping passengers on the highway. This was a big problem last year. I am however convinced that the lack of traffic signs and marked roads contributed to the chaotic traffic we had today, with hundreds still waiting for matatus by 10:30 pm. Roads that lack traffic signs and that are unmarked contributed to the stalling of tens of vehicles that were stalled along Ngong Road, the CBD and Mombasa road. If the roads were marked to indicate how much distance vehicles should keep from each other, the tens of motorists that run into the behinds of other motorists would not have done so. In fact, the fact that Mombasa Road is marked in white rather than yellow paint is chiefly the cause of the high speed 4 vehicle pile up that saw the quartet run each other out of the road. Weren't it for the fact that the buses I took home were driven slowly, I would have arrived here earlier. At 120 kph, the journey would have been shorter, and our keen drivers would have spotted traffic signs and road markings. I'm sure the speeding motorist who splashed me with a pool of water along Tom Mboya street wouldn't have done so, if he had seen traffic signs warning of splashing of water on pedestrians when it rains. After all, they are good chaps that religiously drive to church every Sunday and pray for the reduction of accidents on our roads. Many accidents of late have been caused by drivers losing control, which can be easily solved by traffic signs warning motorists that other motorists are likely to lose control. Keep dry this season , especially by avoiding Ksh 6,500 Hush Puppy shoes which Bata, a Kenyan manufacturer if shoes, imports and sells. The damn things will have gaping holes in the soles in two months. Bata advices two months is a reasonably long time to void them of warranty, and you should grab the golden chance by its horn to employ local cobblers. Remember, traffic signs save lives. Take initiative, buy one today. Sent from my BlackBerry® -----Original Message----- From: "Rad!" <conradakunga@gmail.com> Sender: kictanet-bounces+dmbuvi=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.keDate: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:07:55 To: Dennis Kioko Mbuvi<dmbuvi@gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmbuvi%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/peres_were%40yahoo.co.u... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Its very unfortunate that the greed of a few Kenyans is causing the death of others. Truth be told, there has been signages but people uproot them especially if they appear metallic and they have even gone ahead to remove the protective barriers along some of the road sides. we need to change our value system otherwise we all perish! Drivers also are aware for the last years that these highways are under contraction and every day or almost, you find changes and it is also the responsibility of any sane drive to drive carefully. However, I think there is a suicidal element in our drivers if you observe the driving styles not just for matatus but even private motorists and they bring their egos on the road. Unfortunately, in a crash, it is the driver who suffers while their fancy vehicles feel nothing. It is time Kenyans took responsibilities of their action and stop the blame game! Jane -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+info=amwik.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+info=amwik.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of peres_were@yahoo.co.uk Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 7:10 AM To: info@amwik.org Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? And there's hardly ever any signage to warn motorists about which sections of the road will be closed during construction. You drive all the way a familiar route only to one day find it's blocked! Yesterdays traffic chaos on Murang'a Rd/Kipande Rd were caused by this and had a knock on effect all the way to CBD. It would also be a good idea for them to have a website where they could upload such information on diversions and closures daily in advance so users of the road can plan their journeys appropriately. Peres Sent from my BlackBerryR -----Original Message----- From: dmbuvi@gmail.com Sender: kictanet-bounces+peres_were=yahoo.co.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:28:38 To: Peres Were<peres_were@yahoo.co.uk> Reply-To: dmbuvi@gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? I hope Listers got home safely tonight. I happened to travel on some section of Thika road yesterday, and was appalled by lack of the road signs. Somehow though, they appear to have convinced matatus to stop on the service roads, rather than on the highway, without traffic signs, though some argue that tow vans (breakdowns) are enough of a traffic to deter matatus from picking and dropping passengers on the highway. This was a big problem last year. I am however convinced that the lack of traffic signs and marked roads contributed to the chaotic traffic we had today, with hundreds still waiting for matatus by 10:30 pm. Roads that lack traffic signs and that are unmarked contributed to the stalling of tens of vehicles that were stalled along Ngong Road, the CBD and Mombasa road. If the roads were marked to indicate how much distance vehicles should keep from each other, the tens of motorists that run into the behinds of other motorists would not have done so. In fact, the fact that Mombasa Road is marked in white rather than yellow paint is chiefly the cause of the high speed 4 vehicle pile up that saw the quartet run each other out of the road. Weren't it for the fact that the buses I took home were driven slowly, I would have arrived here earlier. At 120 kph, the journey would have been shorter, and our keen drivers would have spotted traffic signs and road markings. I'm sure the speeding motorist who splashed me with a pool of water along Tom Mboya street wouldn't have done so, if he had seen traffic signs warning of splashing of water on pedestrians when it rains. After all, they are good chaps that religiously drive to church every Sunday and pray for the reduction of accidents on our roads. Many accidents of late have been caused by drivers losing control, which can be easily solved by traffic signs warning motorists that other motorists are likely to lose control. Keep dry this season , especially by avoiding Ksh 6,500 Hush Puppy shoes which Bata, a Kenyan manufacturer if shoes, imports and sells. The damn things will have gaping holes in the soles in two months. Bata advices two months is a reasonably long time to void them of warranty, and you should grab the golden chance by its horn to employ local cobblers. Remember, traffic signs save lives. Take initiative, buy one today. Sent from my BlackBerryR -----Original Message----- From: "Rad!" <conradakunga@gmail.com> Sender: kictanet-bounces+dmbuvi=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.keDate: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:07:55 To: Dennis Kioko Mbuvi<dmbuvi@gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/dmbuvi%40gmail.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/peres_were%40yahoo.co.u k The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/info%40amwik.org The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Pop quiz what is a safe distance to keep behind a car that's in front of you while driving at 110 kph? If there are three lanes and the maximum speed is 110 in which lane should I be if am driving at 60 kph? On 25 Apr 2012 09:20, "Info" <info@amwik.org> wrote:
Its very unfortunate that the greed of a few Kenyans is causing the death of others. Truth be told, there has been signages but people uproot them especially if they appear metallic and they have even gone ahead to remove the protective barriers along some of the road sides. we need to change our value system otherwise we all perish!
Drivers also are aware for the last years that these highways are under contraction and every day or almost, you find changes and it is also the responsibility of any sane drive to drive carefully.
However, I think there is a suicidal element in our drivers if you observe the driving styles not just for matatus but even private motorists and they bring their egos on the road. Unfortunately, in a crash, it is the driver who suffers while their fancy vehicles feel nothing. It is time Kenyans took responsibilities of their action and stop the blame game!
Jane -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+info=amwik.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+info=amwik.org@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of peres_were@yahoo.co.uk Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 7:10 AM To: info@amwik.org Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
And there's hardly ever any signage to warn motorists about which sections of the road will be closed during construction. You drive all the way a familiar route only to one day find it's blocked!
Yesterdays traffic chaos on Murang'a Rd/Kipande Rd were caused by this and had a knock on effect all the way to CBD.
It would also be a good idea for them to have a website where they could upload such information on diversions and closures daily in advance so users of the road can plan their journeys appropriately.
Peres Sent from my BlackBerryR
-----Original Message----- From: dmbuvi@gmail.com Sender: kictanet-bounces+peres_were=yahoo.co.uk@lists.kictanet.or.ke Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:28:38 To: Peres Were<peres_were@yahoo.co.uk> Reply-To: dmbuvi@gmail.com Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
I hope Listers got home safely tonight.
I happened to travel on some section of Thika road yesterday, and was appalled by lack of the road signs. Somehow though, they appear to have convinced matatus to stop on the service roads, rather than on the highway, without traffic signs, though some argue that tow vans (breakdowns) are enough of a traffic to deter matatus from picking and dropping passengers on the highway. This was a big problem last year.
I am however convinced that the lack of traffic signs and marked roads contributed to the chaotic traffic we had today, with hundreds still waiting for matatus by 10:30 pm.
Roads that lack traffic signs and that are unmarked contributed to the stalling of tens of vehicles that were stalled along Ngong Road, the CBD and Mombasa road.
If the roads were marked to indicate how much distance vehicles should keep from each other, the tens of motorists that run into the behinds of other motorists would not have done so.
In fact, the fact that Mombasa Road is marked in white rather than yellow paint is chiefly the cause of the high speed 4 vehicle pile up that saw the quartet run each other out of the road.
Weren't it for the fact that the buses I took home were driven slowly, I would have arrived here earlier. At 120 kph, the journey would have been shorter, and our keen drivers would have spotted traffic signs and road markings. I'm sure the speeding motorist who splashed me with a pool of water along Tom Mboya street wouldn't have done so, if he had seen traffic signs warning of splashing of water on pedestrians when it rains. After all, they are good chaps that religiously drive to church every Sunday and pray for the reduction of accidents on our roads.
Many accidents of late have been caused by drivers losing control, which can be easily solved by traffic signs warning motorists that other motorists are likely to lose control.
Keep dry this season , especially by avoiding Ksh 6,500 Hush Puppy shoes which Bata, a Kenyan manufacturer if shoes, imports and sells. The damn things will have gaping holes in the soles in two months. Bata advices two months is a reasonably long time to void them of warranty, and you should grab the golden chance by its horn to employ local cobblers.
Remember, traffic signs save lives. Take initiative, buy one today. Sent from my BlackBerryR
-----Original Message----- From: "Rad!" <conradakunga@gmail.com> Sender: kictanet-bounces+dmbuvi=gmail.com@lists.kictanet.or.keDate: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:07:55 To: Dennis Kioko Mbuvi<dmbuvi@gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions<kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING?
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KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications. _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Ladies and gentlemen, http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Time+to+stop+avoidable+deaths+on+killer+highway +/-/1056/1396002/-/u9vfe/-/index.html This is heartwrenching.! Certainly in as much as this is not ICT-related as Edith pointed out, we can do something. We have a majority of the media houses represented on this list. Could we take cue, and turn this into a major countrywide publicity campaign, to educate/inform/sensitize.? What tools can ICT bring to bear, not only here but across the nation to help reduce this mayhem..? Skunks..? Regards, Harry From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Edith Adera Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:35 AM To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Listers, One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it's important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners.I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city. I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030. On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)..I've been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity. I've seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan.you name it..so in my mind I thought a "slip road" would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I've hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence? First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one - the one ahead or the one to my right.my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus.and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination - I have never seen 90o slip roads..the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o - Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! - how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can't see other cars coming from all directions) - I've never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions! Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. Summary 1. The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs 2. The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians 3. The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls - the Museum area is a classic example) - do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don't let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. 4. Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently. While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it's currently designed - it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work. Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you. Lets design and implement Konza differently..we must never compromise on standards. Edith (personal opinion)
Ladies and gentlemen, At first sight,the attached appears NOT ICT related. BUT on second thoughts, you may find it is, at least in part. Think about the whole field of "INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS" and start from there. John Kariuki. ________________________________ From: Harry Delano <harry@comtelsys.co.ke> To: ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk Cc: skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke; 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 30 April 2012, 12:22 Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Ladies and gentlemen, http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Time+to+stop+avoidable+deaths+on+killer+highway... This is heartwrenching…! Certainly in as much as this is not ICT-related as Edith pointed out, we can do something… We have a majority of the media houses represented on this list. Could we take cue, and turn this into a major countrywide publicity campaign, to educate/inform/sensitize…? What tools can ICT bring to bear, not only here but across the nation to help reduce this mayhem..? Skunks..? Regards, Harry From:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Edith Adera Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:35 AM To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Listers, One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city. I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030. On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity. I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence? First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one – the one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions! Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. Summary 1. The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs 2. The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians 3. The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. 4. Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently. While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work. Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you. Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. Edith (personal opinion) _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngethe.kariuki2007%40ya... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
John/Harry, Very sad indeed what is happening on that highway! when the police spokesman gave the statistics 2 days ago, it was so shocking and very sad indeed. Surprising that Vision 2030 boss is mum! Bwana Ndemo has set a record responding to all issues whether rosy or not, I wish all public servants could follow his cue! Bwana Ndemo, you are one in a million! Edith ________________ Edith Ofwona Adera Senior Program Specialist Climate Change & Water Program International Development Research Centre | Centre de recherches pour le développement international Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa Tel: +254202713160 | Fax/Téléc: +254202711063 | Skype: edithadera eadera@idrc.or.ke<mailto:eadera@idrc.or.ke> | www.idrc.ca<http://www.idrc.ca/> | www.crdi.ca<http://www.crdi.ca/> ________________________________ From: kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of John Kariuki [ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: 30 April 2012 19:48 To: Edith Adera Cc: skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke; 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Ladies and gentlemen, At first sight,the attached appears NOT ICT related. BUT on second thoughts, you may find it is, at least in part. Think about the whole field of "INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS" and start from there. John Kariuki. ________________________________ From: Harry Delano <harry@comtelsys.co.ke> To: ngethe.kariuki2007@yahoo.co.uk Cc: skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke; 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> Sent: Monday, 30 April 2012, 12:22 Subject: Re: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Ladies and gentlemen, http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Time+to+stop+avoidable+deaths+on+killer+highway... This is heartwrenching…! Certainly in as much as this is not ICT-related as Edith pointed out, we can do something… We have a majority of the media houses represented on this list. Could we take cue, and turn this into a major countrywide publicity campaign, to educate/inform/sensitize…? What tools can ICT bring to bear, not only here but across the nation to help reduce this mayhem..? Skunks..? Regards, Harry From: kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:kictanet-bounces+harry=comtelsys.co.ke@lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Edith Adera Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:35 AM To: harry@comtelsys.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Subject: [kictanet] DEADLY THIKA ROAD - WHO IS LISTENING? Listers, One may ask, why talk about roads on an ICT list? As a vision 2030 project like Konza City, I thought it’s important to bring to our attention the dangers of cutting corners…I hope this will NOT happen with Konza city. I would like to address this note to Mugo Kibati as Director of V2030. On Friday, amidst the pounding rain, I ventured out on Thika road (for the first time, since the super highway was done)….I’ve been avoiding the road like a plague given the grisly stories I hear about thika road. But this time, it was out of necessity. I’ve seen the dazzling roads of south Africa, Dubai, the US, Japan…you name it….so in my mind I thought a “slip road” would be the standard slip road it ought to be; sign boards would be clear so I know where to go and when to turn off; and that I should NOT expect (NEVER) to find a speed bump smack right in the middle of the highway when I’ve hit 100+km per hour and enjoying the cruise. We appreciate the development (one should not question that), but can we do things with excellence? First, I was on a lane around Parklands heading towards Thika, when suddenly I noticed on-coming cars flashing, warning me that while I was right to use that lane as a short diversion, I had missed an opening that should have taken me back to the right lane! I promptly took the next left turning to get back to the right lane, luckily I was driving at snail speed. The next encounter was when I suddenly came across a notice board indicating that the road was closed, but it was not clear which one – the one ahead or the one to my right…my sixth sense suggested a take the road on the right, when I did, it happened to be the right one, but yet again, there were cars coming from the right side of that road from behind me and a had a near miss with a speeding country bus…and you know how they zoom! (I understand later another car did not know which route to take at this same spot and crashed the barriers at high speed and the driver was removed from his car unconscious! possibly dead!). My next headache was to find out which slip road to take off Thika road to my destination – I have never seen 90o slip roads….the standard from my lay knowledge is that they are around 350 - 45o – Thika road has 90o slip roads!!! – how do you do that from a highway! Finally, on my way back, I had to make some maneuvers below a bridge to get back onto the road coming back to Nairobi (with huge concrete walls on the side so you can’t see other cars coming from all directions) – I’ve never seen interchanges under a bridge with blind spots and cars coming in all directions! Thika road is a death trap and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. Summary 1. The slips roads need to be made proper slip roads with clear signs 2. The bumps on the highways should be removed and foot bridges constructed for pedestrians 3. The interchanges, need to be rectified and ensure people moving in different directions do so without meeting cars coming in the opposite directions (at a blind spot with concrete walls – the Museum area is a classic example) – do 2-3 layers of road even consider underground passages, but for heavens sake don’t let ongoing cars meet under a bridge with blind spots. 4. Have proper legible sign boards erected urgently. While the road is under construction and one can dismiss issues raised about Thika road indicating that diversions are just temporary, the main point of my intervention is with the design and its usability in a safe manner. The fact is that Thika road is not safe as it’s currently designed – it does not give the impression that it was done by those who have done the roads we see in other countries that work. Mugo, I look forward to hearing from you and trust that you will have discussions with your counterparts at the Ministry of Roads so Kenyans know that something will be done about Thika Road. It is sad that while many Kenyans have complained about this road among themselves, we do not have forums to bring this to the attention of the decision-makers. This is my attempt and I believe we will hear from you. Lets design and implement Konza differently….we must never compromise on standards. Edith (personal opinion) _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke<mailto:kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/ngethe.kariuki2007%40ya... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
participants (16)
-
Andrew Gesora -
Barrack Otieno -
Dennis Kioko -
dmbuvi＠gmail.com
-
Edith Adera -
Evans Ikua -
Harry Delano -
Info -
John Kariuki -
kris njoroge -
Odhiambo Washington -
otieno.barrack＠gmail.com
-
peres_were＠yahoo.co.uk -
Peter Wakaba -
Rad! -
Solomon Mbũrũ Kamau